Severity of Winterhawks punishment questionable

The Portland Winterhawks were recently handed the harshest team penalties in Western Hockey League (WHL) history.

WHL Commissioner Ron Robison suspended the Winterhawks from participating in the first five rounds of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft (of underage players), and stripped their first-round selections in the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 bantam drafts.

An OregonLive.com article quoted Robison: “Our independent investigation in this case revealed there were multiple violations over an extended period for player benefits that are not permitted under WHL Regulations and were not disclosed to the WHL.”

There was also a $200,000 fine, and the WHL banned Portland head coach/general manager Mike Johnston from coaching and all other team duties for the rest of the 2012-13 season, including the playoffs.

Most of the infractions listed involve player benefits that went outside the WHL guidelines. These include airfare for parents who couldn’t afford to travel and see their children play and cell phones given to team captains, as well as special offseason training sessions.

While it makes sense the training sessions should be in question, it’s hard to understand how it could be unfair for parents to be involved in their children’s athletic career, or how a cell phone would give the team a better chance at winning.

Regardless, the Winterhawks have their hopes high this year and (through Wednesday) are a league-best 23-4-1-0.

Unfortunately, the largest impact this disciplinary action will have lies in the future. With limited draft picks, the chances of remaining competitive aren’t good. Also, the head coach and general manager may not be able to attend any WHL games for almost a year and may not even be allowed to scout talent.

Of critical concern to fans is the possibility a coaching change might damage the team in the short run. We are only one year removed from USC being banished from BCS college football eligibility for rule violations. Pete Carroll, head coach at the time, left the Trojans to become head coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

It is unlikely, however, that Johnston would be so quick to leave Portland, which still has high hopes. In a team statement, Johnston said, “Despite our objections, the league has made its decision, and our players will continue to pursue the goal of winning a WHL championship.”

The coaching duo of Johnston and Travis Green (top assistant named as interim head coach) seems to be a healthy one, bringing much recent success. Portland hockey fans have been thrilled by consecutive trips to the WHL Championship Finals the past two years, and hope the team can finally win the Ed Chynoweth Cup this year.

I expect this season to be the best chance for the Winterhawks to win the championship for a few years. They have brought back an experienced and talented goalkeeper in Mac Carruth, and have a good blend of veterans and young talent. They also brought in a top NHL prospect in Seth Jones, an upgrade to their defensive presence and physicality.

Tonight, the Winterhawks host the Tri-City Americans (17-10-1-1) in the Rose Garden. They are likely to come away with a seventh straight win and maintain their WHL-best record. Game prediction, 6-1 Winterhawks.