Neepawa Natives History Hazing Incident . October 25 , 2011 As a result of an investigation into a complaint of hazing , the MJHL has announced the following sanctions : MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis explained the fine and suspensions were the result of a thorough investigation conducted after a complaint of hazing had been received . “ A hazing incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the hockey club during the week of September 26 , 2011 , ” said Davis . “ The message from the MJHL is clear . This type of activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated . There is no excuse for this type of inappropriate behavior . Ultimately , the hockey club is responsible for the conduct of its staff and players . As a result , a significant financial sanction has been imposed to reflect the importance of the team ’ s responsibility in this matter . “ The Head Coach had no knowledge of the hazing incidents , but is responsible because of his position as head of the hockey club ” said Davis . “ Therefore , the suspension of the Head Coach reflects the responsibility he had to ensure the staff and players conducted themselves appropriately . ” Davis explained that the suspension of the Assistant Coach was the result of him not promptly reporting his knowledge of hazing activity among the players . “ The captain and assistant captains of a hockey club are often the most senior players and are looked upon as leaders of the club , ” said Davis . “ As leaders they have a responsibility to do what ’ s right and to provide positive examples of proper conduct to other players . As a result , those players have also been suspended . ” “ Twelve other players have also been suspended for participating in the hazing incident whether as observers or otherwise , ” said Davis , “ adding that all of them had a responsibility to ensure that hazing did not occur . ” The hazing complaint was vigorously investigated by the league office , noted Davis . Additionally , a special panel was struck to review the evidence and to render a decision . The review panel consisted of two Governors of the MJHL , two Executive members of Hockey Manitoba as well as the MJHL Commissioner . The decision described above was arrived at collectively by the panel . Davis noted that the Natives organization will be reimbursed a portion of the $ 5 , 000 fine if the hockey club partakes in professional services to understand and deal with the psychological implications of hazing . It is worth noting that the ownership group and hockey staff of the Neepawa Natives informed the MJHL promptly when they became aware of the complaint . Throughout the investigative process the Natives ownership and hockey staff cooperated fully . Although the MJHL has in the past proactively made all relevant Hockey Canada materials on hazing available to all teams , all 11 MJHL clubs will be expected to participate in an educational program , aimed at heightening awareness of the dangers of hazing and to eradicate the scourge of this type of activity . October 28 , 2011 The Manitoba Junior Hockey is re - opening its investigation into the Neepawa Natives ’ hazing complaint . It was also announced today that Neepawa Assistant Coach Brad Biggers , who recently resigned from his position , will be suspended indefinitely . “ As a result of several Neepawa Natives players recanting their earlier testimony , the Neepawa Natives hockey club presented new information to the MJHL on Thursday , ” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said . “ With the new information , the MJHL will immediately re - open the investigation into the hazing complaint . The league will also be appointing a special , independent investigator to further investigate the matter . ” The indefinite suspension of Biggers will prevent him from joining another organization until the second investigation is fully completed , explained Davis . Davis said the independent investigator will be appointed as quickly as possible . Further sanctions and suspensions against the Neepawa Natives hockey club are pending following the findings of the special investigator , explained Davis . November 1 , 2011 The Manitoba Junior Hockey has appointed an independent investigator to oversee a recent complaint of hazing within the Neepawa Natives hockey club , MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis announced today . Ron Bell of Winnipeg , a retired law enforcement professional , will oversee the investigation which will focus on gathering additional information relevant to the complaint . “ Mr . Bell draws upon nearly three decades of law enforcement experience , in addition to his extensive hockey background , ” said Davis . “ His work will begin immediately and a final report is expected to be provided to the MJHL in approximately one month . November 3 , 2011 Effective immediately , the Neepawa Natives Board of Directors have accepted the letter of resignation from Head Coach and General Manager Bryant Perrier as delivered on October 30 , 2011 . January 18 , 2012 An independent investigator has concluded their investigation into a hazing complaint levied against the Neepawa Natives . After reviewing the investigator ’ s report , suspensions to the Natives ’ former head coach and assistant coach have been lengthened to the end of the 2011 - 12 season , MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis announced today . Former Natives ’ head coach Bryant Perrier , who resigned earlier this season , has now been suspended until April 1 , while former assistant coach Brad Biggers ’ suspension has been extended to July 1 . The suspensions are effective in all Hockey Canada jurisdictions . The report found the following : “ As the head coach and leader of the club ’ s hockey operations , ( Perrier ) should have known that hazing activity was being undertaken by members of the team , ” said Davis . “ As someone in a position of authority and leadership he was responsible to know what was going on in the dressing room . He failed to do that , and is therefore accountable . ”