Maroons Forced To Forfeit Early Win
Chatham Maroons captain Michael Verboom shakes hands with Mitchell Amante prior to last week’s forfeited game – Photo by Helen Heath
Chatham was stripped of their September 14 victory over the Leamington Flyers, which was a 3-1 decision on the scoresheet, after the Leamington Flyers protested the game, due to Chatham dressing an illegal skater, John Bowen.
Bowen did not hit the scoresheet in the game, save for a first period roughing after the whistle call, but was supposed to be sitting out the game on league suspension after a late game infraction Friday, September 12 against the St. Thomas Stars.
In that game, Bowen was handed a head contact, abuse of official, and a second misconduct with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third, meaning he had to, by league rules, sit out the following game.
Due to the infraction, the Maroons were forced to forfeit their win.
According to the OHA news release, the following decisions were made:
“The decision made by the OHA, following a hearing involving all parties, is as follows:
1. Leamington’s protest is upheld.
2. Points are awarded to Leamington for the September 14th game as a result of the protest being upheld.
3. Chatham fined $100.
4. Player’s suspension (John Bowen) doubled to two games.
5. Chatham head coach and GM Mark Davis suspended one game.”
Chatham next plays the Lambton Shores Predators this Saturday, before hosting Sarnia Sunday.