OHL issues five-year suspension of owner, monetary fine and loss of draft pick for Firebirds

By @MichaelCaples –

The OHL has released a statement from commissioner David Branch regarding the Flint Firebirds, and it features hefty sanctions for owner Rolf Nilsen.

After an investigation conducted by Terrence O’Sullivan of the law firm of Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP at the request of Branch, Nilsen “has on several occasions violated an agreement he signed on the 11th day of November, 2015 between himself and the OHL.”

The sanctions include a five-year suspension for Nilsen, the loss of a first-round pick for the Firebirds (No. 3 overall) and a $250,000 fine for Nilsen.

The suspension and other sanctions stems from Nilsen’s involvement in the firings of the Flint Firebirds’ coaching staff not once but twice this season. You can read more about that here.

Nilsen may apply for reinstatement after three years. For the time being, the OHL will manage the Flint franchise, with the league’s Joe Birch serving as director of hockey operations. A general manager and head coach will be announced at a later date.

The 2016 OHL Priority Selection – the league’s annual draft – will be held this Saturday.

Statement in full:

Toronto, ON – Based upon an investigation at my request by Terrence O’Sullivan of the law firm of Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP, I am satisfied that Rolf Nilsen of the Flint Firebirds has on several occasions violated an agreement he signed on the 11th day of November, 2015, between himself and the OHL.  Those violations are contrary to the best interests of the players, the Team, and the OHL.

In view of these findings, in accordance with the OHL Constitution, I have ordered that:

Rolf Nilsen be suspended by the OHL from being involved directly or indirectly with hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds for five (5) years effective immediately;

The Flint Firebirds forfeit a first round draft pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection (third pick overall);

A fine be paid by Rolf Nilsen to the League in the amount of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00);

If it is determined by the League that Rolf Nilsen has violated this Order, the League may order Rolf Nilsen to sell one hundred percent (100%) of the ownership interest of the Flint Firebirds.

Furthermore, Rolf Nilsen may after three (3) years apply for reinstatement to participate in hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds.

During the currency of this Order, the hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds shall be under the stewardship, supervision and direction of the Commissioner.

The OHL is pleased to announce that Joe Birch, who has led the Flint Firebirds hockey operations since February, 2016, will continue in his role as Director of Hockey Operations, with a General Manager, Head Coach, and additional hockey operations staff to be appointed in the near future.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment demonstrated by all Flint Firebirds players, families, and billets during the 2015-16 OHL season.  I would also like to thank the passionate Flint Firebirds fans for their continued support of the team and the OHL.  The League truly appreciates Flint and Genesee County and the efforts made by many to create a positive environment for our players.

The OHL must strive at all times to meet our objectives of providing our players with the support, programs, and tools to ensure they have the best possible experience to grow as people and as players.