Former Team Canada Head Coach under investigation after serious allegations

PUBLICATION

Josh Tupper
August 5, 2023 (10:08)

SHARE THIS STORY

Yesterday news was released that the United States Centre for SafeSport has begun an investigation into a complaint against the current head coach and General Manager of the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. Dennis Williams has previously served as an assistant and head coach for Team Canada at the World Juniors.

"The WHL and the Everett Silvertips are not aware of the nature of the complaint as [the U.S. Center for SafeSport] has full jurisdiction and the matter is confidential. The WHL and the Everett Silvertips are cooperating fully with [the U.S. Center for SafeSport] and USA Hockey on this matter. " - WHL Commissioner Rob Robison in an email to TSN."

According to documents received by by TSN, the complainant said several players have had concerns with Williams for using the players' showers and has conduct of leaving the shower only wearing a towel on multiple occasions. It was also alleged that Williams "walked into the bathroom while [a] player was losing consciousness following a VO2 max testing. Dennis reportedly took a photo of the player on his phone while the player was on the bathroom floor and walked out, leaving the player unconscious on the bathroom floor. The player was 17 at the time."

Silvertips Equipment Manager Damon Pugerude told TSN that he was the one who filed a complaint against Williams on January 23 of this year, mentioning specifically the use of the players' shower and getting out wearing just a towel.

The WHL reportedly investigated the complaint and said there was no evidence of criminal activity, or the breaking of any WHL policies.

Williams has been GM and coach for the Silvertips for the past six seasons. He is a former player, whose brief career was spent mostly in the NCAA College Hockey system. Williams won gold with Canada's World Junior team as head coach in 2023, and as assistant coach in 2022. He also served as an assistant for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup U18 tournament in 2019, winning a silver medal.

Source: TSN