One of the member organizations of Canada’s top junior hockey league, the Western Hockey League (WHL), has suspended Wenatchee Wild head coach Kevin Constantine, a former Hungarian national team captain, for an alleged violation of WHL rules.
According to a WHL statement, the decision was made because the league’s independent reporting department received a complaint about Constantine’s behavior. Under this clause, the 64-year-old professional cannot contact any member of the organization, including players, until the case is investigated.
The WHL Player Advisory Board is also under investigation over the allegations. Upon completion of the investigation, this committee submits a report to the WHL Director, who then decides on further disciplinary action.
Kevin Constantin, who suddenly left Fehervár and the Hungarian national hockey team, has signed a contract with the Canadian Junior League
The coach, who left despite his valid contracts, explained his move for family reasons.
The statement notes that Wenatchee Wild management and WHL disciplinary officials have already met with the affected players to address the situation and offer them support. The league confirmed that it will take all necessary steps to protect the player and ensure strict compliance with WHL regulations. Once the investigation is complete, the WHL will issue another statement.
Wenatchee has played two league games so far in the 2023-2024 season, winning on Saturday and losing on Sunday, after which a complaint against the coach was filed with the WHL.
In July, despite his direct contract, Konstantin left his position as captain of the Hungarian men’s national team and coach of Hydro Fehérvár AV19 due to family reasons. His move completely surprised the Hungarian Federation and the Fehervár club management. The American coach with an NHL background has been coaching Vihervár since 2021 and the men’s national team since last summer.
Kevin Constantin, head coach of the Hungarian national ice hockey team and the Hydro Fehérvár AV19 team, is leaving.
The American manager justified his decision for family reasons, citing a job opportunity close to his place of residence.
He reached the Austrian League finals with the former in 2022, while he played with the national team in this year’s World Elite Championship, and even had the opportunity to stay in the last match with his team, but in the end he lost to them. Austria in a penalty shootout and were eliminated.
Cover Photo:
Budapest, January 29, 2023. Hydro Fehérvár AV19 head coach Kevin Constantin plays in the Hungarian Ice Hockey Cup final of the Hydro Fehérvár AV19 – Budapest JAHC match in Tuskesarnok in the capital on January 29, 2023. MTI/Tibor Elis
