OHL confirms allegations of hockey parents paying for their sons to be selected bears no evidence

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has confirmed that it hired an independent third-party investigator to look into allegations that several hockey parents paid for their sons to be selected in the 2022 OHL draft.

In a statement to The Canadian Press, OHL Commissioner David Branch confirmed that the investigation was conducted last year and found no evidence.

Evidence relating to any team tampering with the draft or acting in a manner that is prejudicial to the welfare of the league.

David Branch stated:

"Last year we conducted an independent third-party investigation into the allegations that you mention and could find no evidence of any team tampering with the draft nor teams acting in a manner prejudicial to the welfare of the League... I would ask that . the people you have spoken to, please provide it to the League and we will review it and determine if further investigation is required"

The allegations were first reported by TSN's Rick Westhead, who claimed that three coaches from the Greater Toronto Hockey League had seen text-message evidence of parents paying upwards of $30,000 to ensure their son's draft selection.

Branch has called the allegations serious and has invited anyone with evidence to provide them to the OHL for review before the league determines if further investigation is required.

In his statement, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the draft and ensuring that all players are selected based on their skills and abilities, rather than their financial resources. He also urged anyone with additional evidence to come forward and share it with the league.

The OHL is one of the premier junior hockey leagues in North America and serves as a stepping stone for many young players who aspire to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

As such, the league has a responsibility to ensure that its draft process is fair and equitable for all players, and any allegations of impropriety must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

CHL and OHL's announcement of Saginaw as the host city

The Memorial Cup is a highly anticipated event in Canadian junior hockey, and the announcement of Saginaw, Michigan as its host city marks a significant milestone in its history.

The decision to bring the tournament to the United States reflects the growing popularity of hockey in the country and Saginaw's commitment to the sport. While some fans may not be happy with the choice of Saginaw as the host city, the CHL and OHL's goal is to expand the reach of the tournament and the sport.

This presents a unique opportunity for Saginaw to showcase itself as a host city, and fans are eagerly anticipating the event. With the Saginaw Spirit expected to perform well in the playoffs, fans have even more to look forward to in the coming months.