SEE IT: OHL reviews clash between London Knights player, off-ice ...
An "outrageous" exchange between London Knights forward Ryan Humphrey and an off-ice official in the penalty box at Peterborough's rink in Game 4 of the Ontario Hockey League final has been reviewed by league executives.
Published May 18, 2023 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 4 minute read
![An off-ice Ontario Hockey League official argues with London Knights player Ryan Humphrey in the penalty box at the Peterborough Memorial Centre during Game 4 of the OHL finals on Wednesday May 17, 2023. (Screengrab/TSN)](https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/lfpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/0519-lf-knights.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=mshXDK__j9DS5lG3vf1ftw)
An “outrageous” exchange between London Knights forward Ryan Humphrey and an off-ice official in the penalty box at Peterborough’s rink during Game 4 of the Ontario Hockey League final has been reviewed by league executives.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Ryan Pyette, Dale Carruthers, Jane Sims, Norman De Bono and others. Plus, the Noon News Roundup newsletter on weekdays and the LFP Weekender newsletter on weekends. Unlimited online access to London Free Press and 15 news sites with one account. London Free Press ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Ryan Pyette, Dale Carruthers, Jane Sims, Norman De Bono and others. Plus, the Noon News Roundup newsletter on weekdays and the LFP Weekender newsletter on weekends. Unlimited online access to London Free Press and 15 news sites with one account. London Free Press ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors.“We had the opportunity to speak to Ryan and the penalty box attendant,” OHL vice-president Ted Baker said. “Both were very respectful and appreciative of the fact that they were able to rise above (the situation).”
Humphrey was furious after being whistled for a high-sticking penalty early in the third period of London’s 5-3, Game 4 loss Wednesday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Replays show his stick went nowhere near the face of Petes forward Brennan Othmann, who immediately snapped his head back and successfully sold the call.
His beef with the referees took a bizarre turn when TSN cameras caught him in an argument with the penalty box attendant, who kept motioning for him to sit down. Humphrey took exception to the scolding during the first of his three third-period infractions, but the pair later patched it up and were seen laughing and joking with each other.
Humphrey even got a pat on the back as he was about to exit back onto the ice.
“The (off-ice officials) take great pride in the job they do and they want to ensure the protocols are being followed and the door is shut when it needs to be shut,” Baker said. “A lot of times, it’s to protect the players from themselves so they don’t interact further than what they should be doing.”
The league chalked it up to the emotional escalation of a highly charged situation that was later calmed based on proper communication and respect for each other.
“I give both individuals credit for rising above and finding common ground and moving on with the game in a respectful fashion,” Baker said. “That was good to see.”
The 20-year-old winger from Northville, Mich., plays with a chip on his shoulder but is considered a happy-go-lucky teammate and always in a good mood.
“I think that shows how heated it is out there and how much the players want to win,” London assistant GM Rob Simpson said. “That’s going to happen at times when players get frustrated. He was upset about the call. That’s why he was talking to the ref on the ice. He wasn’t saying anything to the penalty box attendant (at the beginning) at all.
“That (interaction between player and attendant) should never happen.”
Click here to sign up for Ryan ‘Pucks’ Pyette on the OHL,
the hockey newsletter delivered into your email inbox –
like a slap shot into the top corner.
The league also addressed concerns that the Knights had to duck beers coming off the ice and used the same exit as patrons while loading their bus. The Petes sold out Games 3 and 4 and a Game 6, if necessary, is scheduled to be played in Peterborough Sunday night.
“It’s a safe environment,” Baker said. “We wouldn’t be putting our players, staff, fans in an unsafe environment, but from time to time, there are situations where you get overzealousness and ensure proper security is in place. If those things are brought to the league’s attention, we would address them in the proper fashion.”
ON THE BRINK: The Knights need to win Game 5 Friday (7:30 p.m.) at Budweiser Gardens to extend their season. The lineup is still in flux and the team will have to make a decision on its goaltending. Rookie Zach Bowen has come up big at times when thrust into emergency starting duty the past two series, but he has surrendered 15 goals in three straight losses. He was lifted after low-scoring Petes d-man Donovan McCoy beat him for the eventual deciding tally in the third period Wednesday. Owen Willmore, who recently backstopped Stratford to Game 7 of the Sutherland Cup final, played seven minutes of relief and made two saves . . . London doesn’t have injured Brett Brochu available, but still has net options. The club is also hoping Russian forward Ruslan Gazizov will be available after skipping Game 4 due to illness. Denver Barkey and Easton Cowan returned after sitting out Game 3 Monday while under the weather and both scored. “It’s never a good time when you have guys battling sickness in the playoffs and it goes through your team a little bit,” Rob Simpson said. “You’re trying to contain it and I think we’re in a decent spot. Obviously, we missed Gazizov last game.” . . . London’s Ryan Winterton and Peterborough’s Tucker Robertson, both Kraken prospects, lead the OHL final with seven points apiece in four games.
Twitter.com/RyanatLFPress
OHL FINAL (Peterborough leads best-of-seven championship series 3-1)Game 5: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Budweiser Gardens
Game 6 (if necessary): Sunday, 7 p.m. at Peterborough Memorial Centre
![Peterborough Petes player Jax Dubois attempts to deflect the puck past London Knights goalie Zach Bowen as Oliver Bonk moves in on defence during Game 4 of the OHL finals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday May 17, 2023. Clifford Skarstedt/ Peterborough Examiner](https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/lfpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/F27545A5-E462-438F-907B-370137ED06EF-e1684372006776.png?h=96&strip=all&quality=80&sig=UI1bkXemf7Ra-w0qL8KI9g)
![London Knights forward Sean McGurn deflects the puck past Peterborough Petes goalie Michael Simpson during the first period of Game 3 of the OHL finals on Monday May 15, 2023 at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough. Clifford Skarstedt/Peterborough Examiner](https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/lfpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/petes-first001-scaled-e1684198100229.jpg?h=96&strip=all&quality=80&sig=OJbnAjAHsShhBcpePoNY8g)