Everett, Wash. — Canadian Press Published on Friday, Sep. 15, 2006 10:51AM EDT Last updated on Monday, Apr. 06, 2009 11:30PM EDT
Everett Silvertips coach Kevin Constantine has been fined $5,000 (U.S.) and suspended four games by the Western Hockey League for excessively punishing his players after a loss.
The Silvertips were beaten 5-0 by Tri-City during a pre-season tournament Sunday and Constantine had the players remain in their gear for a post-game meal and the four-hour bus ride back to Everett.
The league thought that type of punishment was excessive.
"We believe that this type of disciplinary action on players in our league is unacceptable," WHL commissioner Ron Robison told the Everett Herald. "We have a responsibility to make sure the environment the players play in and the discipline they receive is not excessive. We felt this went beyond the normal level of appropriate discipline."
Constantine will miss Everett's final exhibition game and the team's first three regular-season games.
The fiery coach is entering his fourth season behind the bench in Everett, where the team has never had a losing season under his reign. He previously was a head coach in the NHL with San Jose, Pittsburgh and New Jersey.
He accepted the league's decision.
"We have a culture here that's really demanding, but just as equally fair and caring," Constantine told the Herald. "But in reflecting and talking with the league, I tend to lean toward our reaction being a little inappropriate after the game. So they made a decision and we're fine with that."
Associate head coach John Becanic and assistant coach Jay Varady will run the team in Constantine's absence.
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