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People are terrified of repercussions

“The coach’s job is to create a culture, and the way this was handled didn’t fall in line with my beliefs and values. At the end of the day, I removed myself from the situation because someone had to take a stand,” Rihela said.

“I don’t think that these types of behaviours have any place in our game — or anywhere else, for that matter,” he said.

Other parents with children at NSWC are questioning the way the club’s leadership dealt with the matter. One parent told the Post he withdrew his child over the situation.

A parent of another child who plays hockey at the club, who did not want his name published — partly to protect his child and partly out of concern for repercussions from hockey officials — said the club’s priority appeared to be covering up the incident rather than addressing it. “It terrifies me, as a parent,” he said.

He said people are reluctant to speak out for fear of damaging their child’s prospects at the prestigious club.

“People are terrified of repercussions in terms of try-outs and making teams. They are afraid to make waves.”

In a statement to the Post Wednesday, the club confirmed that two players had been suspended and that following a thorough investigation, a disciplinary committee concluded there had been “two incidents of bullying.”

“The NSWC Board is aware that there are unfortunate rumours circulating and our desire is to remind everyone that rumours based on inaccurate information can be very damaging to those involved.”