The Yorkton Rawtech Maulers had the weekend off, which was just what they needed according to coach Kevin Rawlick.
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鈥淲e sent them home this weekend,鈥� he said in an interview Monday, adding the team had earned a break having played 13-games in 30 nights. 鈥溾�� The guys needed a day away.鈥�
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Rawlick said even a couple of days back with family for a hug from mom and some home cooking gives players a chance to relax away from the rink and the game just a little. That break should be good as they Maulers gear up for a run toward the Christmas break, starting tonight hosting the Notre Dame Hounds, and then off to Moose Jaw for two on the weekend.
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The weekend off also came just as the Maulers and coach Rawlick were in the news for more than wins and losses.
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The incident hit the news when Rawlick took John Bear, 16, a member of his AAA Midget team into the office for a talking to.
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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, which captured the coach using a tirade of expletives in the discussion with the player.
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 Maulers Hockey Club has since sent out a release 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 and Parent programs, no later than Dec. 15, 2017.
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Rawlick would not comment further on the matter beyond reiterating 鈥渢his weekend (off) couldn鈥檛 have come at a better time.鈥�
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The Maulers have a record of 10-10-1-1 for 22 points, tied with the Saskatoon Contacts, tied for sixth heading into action this week.
