Bisons send skater away

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This article was published 06/05/2020 (1597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The fallout came swiftly Thursday after vulgar and insulting messages traded on a private Instagram chat surfaced on social media a day earlier.

The University of Manitoba Bisons released Jeremey Leipsic from their hockey program over his involvement in a series of sexist and degrading private chats that became public.

Leipsic, 23, is among a number of local players who were exposed as having mocked and ridiculed numerous women over several months in 55 screenshots that were posted online Wednesday.

His older brother, Brendan, 25, plays for the Washington Capitals and is under investigation by the team and the NHL.

“Bison Sports was extremely disappointed to learn of the comments made by the group of prominent hockey players, including one of our own, who were involved in the private group chat that has emerged online,” U of M athletic director Gene Muller said in a statement. “We condemn any such remarks and attitudes as they are offensive, reprehensible and have absolutely no place in sport or in our programs.

“Leadership, respect and integrity are core values of our Bison Sports community and as a result of this situation, we have taken the action to release the current student-athlete from the program.”

The NHL condemned the inappropriate and offensive comments.

Using Twitter late Wednesday, Brendan Leipsic apologized for the behaviour, noting a friend’s account was hacked but acknowledging his role in the ugly conversations that included degrading comments toward women, criticism of past and present teammates and bluster about sexual conquests and drug use.

Winnipegger Jack Rodewald, who plays in the American Hockey League, is also facing a review by the Florida Panthers, the parent club of the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Another player involved in the group chat is Jackson Keane, the son of former NHL captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Keane, who works in player development with the Winnipeg Jets organization.

Jackson goes to school at the University of North Dakota and plays for the Fighting Hawks. A spokesman with UND said he was unaware of the maelstrom the leaked posts had caused north of the border.

— Jason Bell