IceDogs owners release statement, refuse to acknowledge homophobic slurs used in company-wide group chat

UPDATE: Billy and Joey Burke have issued a statement following yesterday's fine and suspension. 

I don't know about you... but to me that just reads like a lot of excuse making. 

Read below for more context.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is an updated version of our earlier reported story from yesterday concerning the $150,000 fine and indefinite suspensions to Niagara IceDogs owners Billy and Joey Burke.

Less than 24 hours after the IceDogs the OHL issued the fine and suspension of the team's owners some images of the infamous team WhatsApp chat have leaked online and... well... let's just say that it's going to be tough for the owners to come back from this one.

Check it out:

Wow... just... wow.

Imagine playing for a couple clowns like this? Get these guys out of the league and never let them back.

For the earlier version of this report from yesterday, read below.

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced today that the Niagara IceDogs have been fined $150,000 and that team minority owner Joey Burke and head coach/minority owner Billy Burke have been suspended indefinitely.

From the OHL:

Toronto, Ont. – Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch today announced that Niagara IceDogs General Manager, Team Governor and minority owner Joey Burke and Head Coach and minority owner Billy Burke have been indefinitely suspended and, together with the team, fined a combined $150,000.00. An investigation was launched into their overall conduct following the League receiving transcripts of a March 6, 2022 WhatsApp conversation.

Based on the results of the League investigation, it is the position of the League that their conduct is prejudicial to the welfare of the OHL as it violates the Leagues’ Harassment & Abuse / Diversity Policy and also runs counter to the OHL’s Onside program which emphasizes the importance of demonstrating respect for women through actions and words.

Joey and Billy Burke will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no sooner than June 1, 2024. At that time, the Commissioner will assess whether they have successfully completed counselling and education to ensure that there will be no additional violations of League rules, policies, or expected conduct.

- Ontario Hockey League

Last month Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported that the OHL was launching an investigation after it was alleged that Joey and Billy Burke had made sexist remarks against a female IceDogs employee in a group chat. Today's announcement seems like an indictment that indeed the league found sufficient evidence of misconduct by both individuals.

As for the IceDogs... they've been a complete mess under the Burke's. They're dead last in the OHL and have been near or at the bottom of the league since they took over and now there are reports that the team will be sold to outside investors. Since the Burkes are suspended through the next two seasons, it makes sense for them to divest themselves of the team.

Interestingly enough, former NHLer Mike Fisher's name has been put forth as a potential owner.

From JF Plante of laDroit.ca (translated from French):

A knowledgeable source tells me that this other offense could be the latest in a problematic family for the OHL. Former Senator Mike Fisher would be at the head of a group that will buy the team from the Burke family.

- JF Plante

Interesting. Stay tuned.