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OHL announces disciplinary action involving referee

The Ontario Hockey League issued a release this afternoon regarding referee Joe Monette and his recent comments on Twitter regarding Sault Ste. Marie. After working a game between the Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires on Jan.

The Ontario Hockey League issued a release this afternoon regarding referee Joe Monette and his recent comments on Twitter regarding Sault Ste. Marie.

After working a game between the Soo Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires on Jan. 25 at the Essar Centre, Monette posted on his Twitter account: "Soo Saint Marie, two words, Slim Pickens #noteeth #hicktown #allfaties.”

He later issued an apology before making the settings on his account private.

Monette has beed suspended from "any future OHL officiating assignments" for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

Full details are as follows:

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OHL Announces Disciplinary Action

For Immediate Release – Toronto, Ontario

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results of a review of an incident involving OHL referee Joe Monette as it relates to his Twitter message of Friday, January 25th, 2013.

In making the announcement, Commissioner David E. Branch stated “all individuals who are associated with the Ontario Hockey League, either in a management, coaching or officiating position with both Member Teams and the League have been apprised of the League’s Social Networking Policy and understand that there is a responsibility to ensure that at all times we conduct ourselves in a most professional manner.  Mr. Monette displayed extremely poor judgment and the “tweet” not only contravened the League’s Social Networking Policy, but as well was detrimental to the welfare of the League, the officiating staff and fans of the OHL.  The League apologizes to those that may have been offended by such comments”.

As a result of the review, referee Joe Monette has been suspended for any future OHL officiating assignments for the balance of the 2012-13 regular season and playoffs.

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