QJMHL commissioner issues Nolan statement

NEWS RELEASE

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

********************** Commissioner reacts to events which occurred last Friday in Chicoutimi

2005-12-19 - BOUCHERVILLE, Monday, December 19, 2005 (QMJHL) – The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Mr. Gilles Courteau [shown], issued a statement following the disgraceful gestures and comments directed towards Moncton Wildcats Head Coach Ted Nolan that took place during and after the game in Chicoutimi last Friday night.

Even though no formal complaint was lodged at the QMJHL, the Commissioner finds disgraceful the behaviour of a group of isolated individuals: "I find the events which occurred last Friday in Chicoutimi regrettable. The distasteful and disgraceful gestures and comments aimed at Head Coach Ted Nolan by an isolated group of spectators in no way represent the image of the Saguenéens organization, their players or the fans that attend QMJHL games."

He added: "Like Mr. Ted Nolan, all players and team staff members are part of the QMJHL family - without allusion to their nationality or ethnic background."

Furthermore, the Commissioner wishes to inform all contributors that this situation is considered very serious.

As such, steps will be taken to insure that these types of incidents do not repeat themselves in both Chicoutimi and other QMJHL markets.

The Saguenéens organization is already looking over any improvements it can make to solidify its security procedures.

************************ SooToday.com coverage of this story

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