WHL announces four Moose Jaw Warriors players suspended for regular season; GM, coach suspended five games

The Western Hockey League announced Friday that four Moose Jaw Warriors players – Max Wanner, Marek Howell, Connor Ungar and Lynden Lakovic – have been suspended for the remainder of the regular season.

Last month, the four Warriors players were suspended due to an off-ice incident while on a road trip in Edmonton, Alberta. The conduct was found not to be criminal in nature; however, it was a violation of the WHL Standard of Conduct policies, as outlined in the WHL Personal Conduct Policy.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the WHL has issued the following sanctions:

• All four Moose Jaw Warriors players involved in the off-ice incident – Connor Ungar, Max Wanner, Lynden Lakovic, and Marek Howell – have been suspended for the balance of the WHL Regular Season.

• Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Jason Ripplinger and Head Coach Mark O’Leary have been suspended for five (5) WHL Regular Season games, effective immediately.

• The Moose Jaw Warriors Hockey Club has been fined $25,000 

As stated in the press release, general manager Ripplinger and head coach O’Leary are subject to discipline due to failing to provide proper oversight and supervision while on a road trip. 

The WHL also stated “Upon being notified of the matter, the WHL Security Network reported the matter to police authorities in Moose Jaw and Edmonton, where the incident took place. The Edmonton Police Service have confirmed that the incident is not criminal in nature. Following a preliminary review of the incident by the WHL Security Network, the WHL then commissioned an independent third party to investigate the matter. The WHL Security Network is responsible for assisting WHL Clubs with enforcing WHL Standard of Conduct policies and ensuring Clubs continue to deliver a safe and positive environment at all times. The WHL Security Network consists of Liaison Officers assigned to each WHL Club. “

All four players will undergo and complete further personal conduct training and respect training before being reinstated by the WHL. Wanner was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft, and he signed his entry-level contract in Sept. 2022. Howell and Ungar are undrafted prospects and Lakovic is considered a prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft. 

“Out of respect for the privacy of all of the parties involved, the WHL cannot provide further details on the matter,” the release said.