WHL suspends coach Constantine until at least 2025 over discriminatory comments

The Western Hockey League suspended Wenatchee Wild head coach Kevin Constantine indefinitely following an independent investigation that determined he made "derogatory comments of a discriminatory nature," the league announced.

Constantine, who spent parts of seven seasons as an NHL head coach in the 1990s and early 2000s, can't apply for reinstatement to coach in the WHL until July 2025 at the earliest.

"The WHL holds our players and staff to a very high standard of conduct at all times," WHL commissioner Ron Robison said in a statement. "We have extensive programming which emphasizes the importance of always treating players and staff in a respectful manner, and there is a zero tolerance for any comments of a derogatory nature.

"Those in leadership capacities in the WHL, in particular our head coaches, are expected to set examples for our players and not conduct themselves in a manner that would impact adversely on the team environment or inflict damage on the reputation of the league."

Constantine was originally suspended in September after the WHL's independent reporting channel received a complaint regarding his conduct. He wasn't permitted to have contact with any member of the organization during the investigation.

The 64-year-old spent time as the bench boss of the San Jose Sharks (1993-95), Pittsburgh Penguins (1997-99), and New Jersey Devils (2002).

Constantine was previously the head coach of the WHL's Everett Silvertips (2003-07, 2013-17). The Wild named him their first-ever WHL head coach in July.