The Western Hockey League suspended Wenatchee Wild coach Kevin Constantine pending an independent investigation into alleged violations of WHL regulations and policies, the league announced in a statement Monday.
“Constantine was suspended on Sunday after the WHL’s independent reporting channel received a complaint regarding his conduct,” the league said in a statement. “Constantine is not permitted to have any contact with any member of the organization, including players, while the matter is being investigated.”
The investigation, which is being conducted by the WHL Player Advisory Council, began on Sunday when the complaint was received. Once the investigation is completed, the council will present its findings to the WHL commissioner, who will determine whether subsequent disciplinary action is necessary.
This isn’t Constantine’s first suspension as a coach. In 2006, while coaching the Everett Silvertips, Constantine was suspended four games and fined $5,000 for “inappropriate” actions following a 5-0 loss in an exhibition game against the Tri-City Americans. While an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames, Constantine was suspended for one game after he tried joining an altercation between a fan and fellow assistant coach Guy Lapointe during a game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Constantine, 64, had head coaching stints in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks (1993 to 1996), Pittsburgh Penguins (1997 to 2000) and New Jersey Devils (2001-02). He has a 161-150-5 record in the NHL.
(Photo: Marissa Baecker / Getty Images)
