Junior hockey, a supposed haven of fun, safety, and competition for young players, was recently rocked by a disturbing revelation in London, Ontario.
The OHF emphasized the importance of integrity and leadership from owners in their statement, affirming their commitment to a safe and inclusive game environment. During the investigation, it was discovered that Duarte had offered a $100 bounty for injuring a player from another team—an act that goes against the very essence of sportsmanship.
The penalty, though a step in the right direction, has been widely criticized as insufficient for such reprehensible behavior. This incident serves as a stark reminder that junior hockey must maintain its core values of fairness and camaraderie, and calls for a united effort to ensure a sport free from such misconduct.