The choice of words by a Yorkton hockey coach has sent a ripple of concern through the hockey community.
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The incident hit the news recently after Yorkton Rawtec Maulers Coach Kevin Rawlick took John Bear, 16, a member of his AAA Midget team into the office for a talking too.
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On Nov. 10, Bear was called into a room with head coach-general manager Kevin Rawlick and three unidentified adults. Bear recorded phone the conversation with the coach on his phone.
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The recording was released a few days later when the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations held a joint press conference with Josh Bear and his father Tim Bear 鈥� both of whom are members of Ochapowace First Nation.
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The recording had coach Rawlick using a tirade of expletive words in dealing with Bear who he terms a distraction to the team.
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At the end of the meeting with Rawlick, Bear was told he was being suspended and sent home for the weekend. Days later, he was released by the team.
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When the matter went public Ochapowace First Nation Chief Margaret Bear and FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron spoke in support of Josh Bear, calling for Rawlick to be removed as Maulers coach and for an end to verbal abuse in minor hockey.
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The Maulers Hockey Club has since sent out a release听confirming due to disciplinary issues, Bear had been issued his uncontested release.
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鈥淲e have had an opportunity to listen to the audio recording between our coach, Kevin Rawlick, and one of our former players. Although we do not condone the use of profanity, we support the message that was delivered by our coach,鈥� noted the release.
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鈥淎s a result of the profanity, Yorkton Minor Hockey has placed Kevin Rawlick on probation for the remainder of the hockey season. Coach Rawlick supports and is in agreement with the directive and he will enroll in and complete the Respect in Sport Program for both the Coach 听 听 听 听and Parent programs, no later than Dec. 15, 2017.
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鈥淲e are hopeful that all parties can move forward through this process and return our focus to the game of hockey.鈥�
The release also stated Yorkton Midget AAA Inc would not be making any further comments on this matter.
