Two Niagara Ice Dogs players banned, GM suspended 2 years as part of OHL sanctions

The OHL had received allegations that "certain Niagara IceDog players" had violated the OHL's maltreatment, bullying and harassment prevention policy and its code of conduct. Photo: DAILY FACEOFF.

By The Canadian Press

Posted May 4, 2023 5:56 pm.

The Ontario Hockey League announced Thursday that two players on the Niagara IceDogs, including team captain Landon Cato, have been kicked out of the league, and the team’s general manager has been suspended for two years for violating league policies.

The sanctions were handed down after findings from an independent third-party investigation.

The OHL has announced sanctions against the Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club resulting from breaches of the League's Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment Protection and Prevention Policy as well as the OHL Code of Conduct.

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 4, 2023

The OHL had received allegations that “certain Niagara IceDog players” had violated the OHL’s maltreatment, bullying and harassment prevention policy and its code of conduct.

The investigation found Cato and goaltender Joshua Rosenzweig participated in “serious” violations of both policies, “including but not limited to physical maltreatment and aiding and abetting.”

Both players were banned from playing in the league. The OHL did not provide details of the allegations.

Also, team owner, governor, and general manager Darren DeDobbelaer was sanctioned for violating the league’s confidentiality directive regarding the investigation. His suspension from acting as GM — effective immediately — runs until June 1, 2025.

Niagara has also been fined $100,000 and will forfeit its top pick in the 2024 OHL draft.

The OHL said investigators interviewed approximately 15 former players, coaches, staff and team officials over a period of several months.

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