Niagara IceDogs announce major shake-up after OHL review

The Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Niagara IceDogs announced Wednesday changes to leadership positions following an OHL-led review.

According to an article released in the afternoon, the team will see changes in key roles in the team’s management and coaching staff.

Darren DeDobbelaer, the team’s owner and governor, will be stepping back from the day-to-day operations on both the hockey and the business sides of the organization.

“I’m incredibly proud to own the Niagara IceDogs and be able to have this great franchise compete in the Ontario Hockey League,” said DeDobbelaer in the article. “While this season brought several challenges, our focus remains on building a positive and stable environment for our players, staff, and fans.”

“These changes are part of our commitment to ensuring long-term success both on and off the ice,” said DeDobbelaer.

Wes Consorti will transition from being the current general manager to being the team’s executive liaison between DeDobbelaer and the club’s operational leadership.

Consorti will remain as the team’s interim general manager until a new one is appointed.

Ben Boudreau has been relieved of his duties as the team’s head coach, and the contracts for Dan Paille and Marc Slawson as assistant coaches will not be renewed.

In collaboration with the OHL, the IceDogs will immediately start looking for a new general manager and coaching staff.

“We sincerely thank coach Boudreau, Dan Paille, and Marc Slawson for their dedication and for helping guide the team to its first playoff appearance since 2019,” said DeDobbelaer.

The team was under investigation back in March following multiple complaints of inappropriate behaviour involving the team’s staff.

In a statement to TSN, the OHL said it hired Toronto law firm Turnpenney Milne LLP to do a cultural review of the team.

READ MORE: Niagara IceDogs under cultural review after complaints of inappropriate behaviour