Guest wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:49 pmWhy not share this part of the decision?Guest wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 5:10 pmAny chance the Minister of Sport will step in and take a position?Guest wrote: ↑Wed Feb 26, 2025 4:50 pm Mississauga Rattlers Appeal Denied. Ontario Hockey Federation
permits the GTHL to break appeal procedures
Ontario Hockey Federation unfairly allowed the GTHL to change rules in appeal hearing process to
support 14-game-loss penalty imposed, parents say.
“Let Them Play” campaign will continue and press for reform of the GTHL.
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, February 26, 2025 --- Following an appeal hearing on Monday evening, the
Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) denied the Mississauga Rattlers U16 AA Team’s appeal of the Greater
Toronto Hockey League’s (GTHL) decision to assign them 14 game losses over a paperwork error
concerning the registration of a trainer. The parents of the Rattler players have officially responded to
the OHF claiming the appeal panel unfairly allowed the GTHL to change, without notice, which rule it
was penalizing the players under during the appeal.
According to the official OHF appeal document, the purpose of the appeal hearing was, “to determine
whether the GTHL Appeal Committee correctly applied GTHL Rules 9.13, 14.4 and 15.8 in its decision of
16 January 2025 and whether the penalties imposed against the Rattlers U16 AA team should stand or
be changed.”
The GTHL has consistently cited its rule 9.13 (Effect of an Ineligible Player or Team Official Participating in
a Game) since first imposing the game loss penalties on the Rattlers in December 2024 and at the
subsequent appeal hearing in January 2025. Rule 9.13 allows for an exception for an “understandable
mistake”.
It was only during the OHF hearing that the GTHL changed its argument that it was now citing Rule 9.11,
(No Non-Registered Individuals on Bench}. The league did so without informing the OHF or the team
prior to the hearing about this change. Rule 9.11 is much more punitive and has no exceptions for
inadvertent errors.
“Our legal counsel said this should not have been allowed and was a clear abuse of process,” said Jeff
Davis, volunteer team manager and a parent of one of the players. “We had hoped for a fair hearing.”
Specifically, the GTHL convinced the OHF appeal committee that an “understandable mistake”, (while
likely, the OHF noted its decision), had no bearing on Rule 9.11 the GTHL was now quoting in reference
to the 14-game-loss penalty.
In its decision, the OHF wrote, “While unintended, the actions of the Rattlers Association and/or the
relevant team officials, clearly violated Rule 9.11 (first raised by the GTHL at this Appeal hearing). The
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Mississauga Rattlers Appeal Denied. Ontario Hockey Federation permits the GTHL to break appeal procedures
February 26, 2025
consequences of this are clearly outlined within the Rule. Further, while the Panel might believe that this
was an ‘understandable mistake’ as per Rule 9.13, such exception does not apply to Rule 9.11.”
Davis said, “At the OHF appeal hearing, we presented our case that the team’s paperwork error was an
understandable mistake. But the change of the rule the GTHL applied from 9.13 to 9.11 made such an
argument irrelevant. The appeal panel should never have been permitted the GTHL’s last minute
change.”
Davis said, “The GTHL was permitted to make many mistakes through this process with no accountability.
They are granted unlimited grace, but the team and volunteers are granted no similar grace for an
understandable mistake.”
The Rattlers were in first place in their division at the time the 14-game-loss penalty was assigned. The
team has since won almost every game to reach 8th place and will compete in the playoffs.
Mieke Gilbert, whose son is a goaltender on the team, said, "Our boys have shown incredible strength
through this. Instead of dwelling on their setback, they have stayed focused, supported each other and
kept playing game they love. They've handled this with maturity beyond their years and we are so proud
of them."
Davis said, “The GTHL will not change without outside pressure. That must come from the Minister of
Sport, GTA municipalities, and the 50 plus associations that make up league.”
The GTHL Let Them Play Campaign will continue as a place where others can share their stories of
mistreatment by the GTHL. The website will help with investigations in an effort to bring real change to
the GTHL for all players, families and volunteers.
Gilbert said, “We are incredibly grateful to the hockey community for standing with us. The support from
the players, parents and teams across this league has meant so much. It is a reminder of what hockey is
really about: camaraderie, resilience, and standing up for what is right. Thank you for being in our
corner. “
The Mississauga Rattlers Hockey Association was founded in 1982. It competes in the GTHL AA West
Division with some 170 players aged 8 to 21 and strives to provide a positive environment for players to
develop both hockey and life skills, while enjoying the thrill and benefits of competing in Canada’s
national winter sport.
For further information contact:
Ted Griffith
[email protected]
416.518.8306
“Further, the bracketed material in 9.13 (b) excludes the understandable mistake provision from applying to this fact situation; specifically, these errors resulted from failures to review either the official game report or the team’s roster form.”
Again, we are back to the trainer not appearing on the game sheet. Four. Teen. Times!
Stop whining and go fire your coach and manager for screwing your season up on you.
Don’t worry about this
!Let’s talk about the VP’s
Italian stallions on skates!