Hockey team under investigation for putting ‘bounties’ on rival player after hard hit and fight during game
THE Ontario Hockey League has reportedly been investigating a team over allegations that a bounty was placed on an opposing player.
It’s been revealed that the alleged bounty occurred during a January 18 game between the Barrie Colts and Sudbury Wolves.
Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek reported that the Ontario Hockey League is investigating the Wolves regarding accusations a bounty was placed on the Bolts.
A bounty in sports has been defined as a payment given to a player for injuring a specific player out of a game.
Marek revealed that during the January 18 contest, Colts defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson hit Wolves forward Nathan Villenueve.
The hard body check was legal and no penalty was issued to Aitcheson.
However, Villenueve’s teammate, Nolan Collins, stepped in and fought Aitcheson after the play.
The two teams played against each other three days later, but Aitcheson wasn’t dressed for the game.
Sportsnet uncovered that Barrie found out there was a chance that a bounty was placed on Aitcheson so they decided to not play him.
The OHL revealed that they were investigating an incident, but didn’t provide any more comments about the investigation.
Collins was suspended for two games by the league for initiating the fight with Villenueve.
And Villenueve didn’t play for the next two games following the hit but returned on January 25.
The 17-year-old has been the leading point-getter for the tied-for-first-place Wolves, posting 43 points in 51 games.
Aitcheson has played in every other game this season for Barrie.
The Colts and Wolves will face each other on February 28.