Two BCHL coaches win court injunction to resume duties amid investigation over allegations

Two coaches with the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) have been granted a court injunction that allows them to get back behind the bench. Nanaimo Clippers head coach and general manager Darren Naylor, and associate coach Colin Birkas, were placed on administrative leave while the league hired an independent investigator to look into claims the two breached the BCHL's code of conduct. On Friday, a judge granted an injunction allowing Naylor and Birkas to resume their duties until at least February 18th. They can apply for an extension at that time.

Naylor and Birkas argued in the civil suit that the allegations have not been proven and likely came from disgruntled former employees and former billet parents "who have significant motivation to lie, exaggerate and attack without evidence in support as they had a falling out with the coaches before leaving the Clippers organizations." The suit also seeks damages for lost revenue and reputational harm because of the suspension. That part hasn't been dealt with yet.

The BCHL confirms the two Clippers' coaches are under investigation due to allegations, adding "The administrative leaves were precautionary and procedural as no determinations have been made at this time." There has been nothing said publicly that would indicate what the allegations involve.

Naylor and Birkas also accused the league of acting "erroneously and in a high-handed manner" by suspending them over unproven allegations. They want the judge to force the BCHL to produce the complainants' written submissions to the league and to ensure the current independent investigators are fired and new ones hired.

Source: CHEKNews.ca

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