Fast forward to last Friday – now we find out that the OHL has lowered that orginal fine from $400,000.00 to $250,000.00 and now the Spitfires also won’t lose as many first round draft choices as well.
Toronto, ON - Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch met with representatives of the Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club to review the sanctions taken by the League against the Windsor Spitfires for violations of the League’s Player Recruitment Policy which resulted in the team having to make a payment of $400,000.00, losing three (3) first round draft selections, and two (2) second round draft selections.So now instead of losing three first round draft choices in 2013, 2014 and 2015, as well as a 2nd round pick in 2015 and 2017 – the Spitfires are only going to lose two first round draft choices in 2013 and 2016 also they will lose a second round draft pick in 2015 and in 2017. Sounds like a capitulation by the OHL front office.
During the meeting with the Commissioner the Windsor Spitfires accepted that there were certain violations of the League’s Recruitment Policy.
In recognition of the acknowledgement and the cooperation of the Windsor Spitfires, Commissioner Branch modified his earlier decision and the team will pay to the League a payment of $250,000.00 and will lose a first round draft pick in 2013, a second round draft pick in 2015 a first round draft pick in 2016 and a second round draft pick in 2017.
As a result the Windsor Spitfires will not appeal the decision.
Neither the League nor the Windsor Spitfires will be making any further comment in relation to this matter.
