The Ontario Hockey League says no suspensions will be handed out relating to an alleged Russian slur that was reported to the league during last Thursday's OHL contest between the Sudbury Wolves and the North Bay Battalion at Memorial Gardens.
"Following a game between North Bay and Sudbury on Thursday, March 3, 2022, it was alleged that inappropriate comments were made to an opposing player, as per the League’s Harassment & Abuse/Diversity Policy. The League has done a thorough investigation of the allegation, including speaking to players and team officials of both teams in addition to the on-ice officials, and the allegation cannot be substantiated," the OHL stated.
"The League will treat any discrimination against Russian and Belarusian players as we would with all allegations in accordance with our Harassment & Abuse/Diversity Policy. Further, last week we advised all of our on-ice officials to be aware of any inappropriate conduct among players including any anti-Russian/Belarusian discrimination and are working with the Canadian Mental Health Association through our Talk Today program to ensure supports are in place for our Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian players."
See related: Report: alleged anti-Russian slur thrown at Battalion player
Last week, a TSN report from Rick Westhead stated that a "Russian player was allegedly targeted during Thursday's game with an anti-Russian slur by at least one Sudbury Wolves Player."
The Troops have three Russian players in Alexander Lukin, Matvey Petrov, and Rodion Tatarenko, who is an affiliate player with the Powassan Voodoos.
On top of that the Battalion has Michael Podolioukh, who is Ukranian. and Nikita Tarasevich, who is from Belarus.
