OHL lifts suspension of Montreal Canadiens draft pick Logan Mailloux

Article content

Logan Mailloux has been reinstated by the Ontario Hockey League.

Article content

The league announced the decision on Wednesday, allowing the London Knights defender to dress up on New Years Day in Erie against the Otters, though that game remains up in the air due to COVID testing and protocols.

The 18-year-old Montreal first-round player, who was suspended indefinitely for sharing an intimate photo of a woman without her consent while playing professional hockey in Sweden in November 2020, has been left out of the first 26 games of the season. The Knights.

In a statement, the league said it has received a “commitment from the player to continue his personal development program” and is satisfied that he has taken the necessary steps (for reinstatement) as of January 1. OHL also indicated that it remains committed to the permanent education of its players.

Article content

Since the suspension, the league has noted that, with the support of the Knights, Mailloux has participated in therapy and counseling with Dr. Lindsey Forbes and in a personal development plan under the leadership of Wendy Glover, an experienced and holistic athlete. based in London. – developmental practitioner, academic and personal development advisor, teacher, and member of the Ontario School Counselors Association.

Mailloux’s personal development plan included weekly meetings, ongoing completion of certifications, and reflections on explored concepts. He also completed certifications and programs in sports, mental health in sports, sports media, ethics in sports, diversity and inclusion, sports psychology, and cultural awareness.

Article content

OHL’s suspension was issued last fall after the six-foot-three-inch, 214-pound Mailloux was selected in the first round of the NHL draft (31st overall) by Montreal. That pick sparked a firestorm and is considered one of the most controversial in league history, especially after Mailloux days earlier quit the draft and asked all 32 NHL teams not to pick him.

After selecting Mailloux, then-Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said: “Right on the hockey side, we saw players who were chosen before him, we’re just talking on the hockey side right now, he was a step ahead of them. And of the available players, only on the hockey side, he was the best choice, on the hockey side. “

The Canadiens were widely ridiculed for electing Mailloux, and even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau intervened. Trudeau said he was “deeply disappointed” by the team’s selection.

Article content

“I think they have a lot to explain to Montréal and fans across the country,” he said.

Five days after the draft, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson announced that the team had asked Mailloux not to participate in NHL rookie camp or main training camp this year, adding that the club I would support and monitor the 18-year-old defender’s commitment to becoming a better person ”and would reevaluate his willingness to be part of the organization in the future.

Molson also released a letter to Canadiens fans in which he wrote: “I understand that they expect more from us and we disappoint them. The Montreal Canadiens are more than a hockey team. Logan’s actions do not reflect the values ​​of our organization and I apologize for the pain this selection has caused. “

Article content

OHL officials and the Knights concluded that Mailloux violated the expectation of proper conduct from one of his players. They allowed Mailloux to exercise and practice in London while they waited to apply for his reinstatement.

Former Knight Rob Ramage, now Montreal’s director of player development, told Sportsnet last week that Mailloux has been taking the necessary steps to become a better person, including the responsibility of bringing in some of his younger teammates. to school.

The Knights sought, from the beginning, to help Mailloux improve his character and provided help and education off the ice before considering him as a candidate to return to the active roster.

“The Knights have been working closely with the Ontario Hockey League on Logan’s personal development, they support the league’s decision and will continue to work with the league on Logan’s development for the future,” said the Knights club. it’s a statement.

[email protected]

Twitter.com/RyanatLFPress