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Just two games into the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) season, the head coach of the Wenatchee Wild has been benched pending an investigation.
The league suspended Kevin Constantine Sunday and opened an independent investigation after receiving a complaint about his conduct. Details about the alleged conduct were not disclosed.
“Constantine is not permitted to have any contact with any member of the organization, including players, while the matter is being investigated,” said a statement from the WHL.
“On Monday, Wenatchee Wild management and the WHL Security Network met with the players to address the situation and offer support. The WHL will take all necessary steps to protect the player experience.”
Constantine was hired by the Wild in July after the Winnipeg Ice were sold and relocated Wenatchee, Wash.
Following investigation, the player advisory council will provide a report to the WHL commissioner, who will then determine if further disciplinary action is required.
Constantine has nearly 40 years of coaching experience at all levels, including past stints in the WHL coaching the Everett Silvertips and the NHL as head coach of the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.
In addition to his hockey experience in North America, he has an extensive resume on the international scene, coaching professional teams overseas in France, Switzerland, South Korea, Poland and Hungary. He has also served once as a head coach and twice as an assistant coach for Team USA at the World Junior championships, and coached the Hungarian national team at the World Championships in Finland this past May.