NHL fines $125k as Sheldon Keefe and Leafs’ organization violates basic rules set by League

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe recently faced a hefty fine of $25,000 after being called out by the National Hockey League for “demeaning” behavior towards officials. The recent Leafs vs St. Louis Blues 5-4 OT game saw a lot going on inside the rink. 

Though Keefe asked for calls to be made by the on-ice officials, the official in charge Wes McCauley simply ignored them. Moreover, Keefe’s infuriating behavior towards them made matters worse, as League took action against the coach.

It’s been multiple freak-out episodes for the Leafs’ coach who blurted out “wake the f**k up Wes” after the Blues’ 4th goal was allowed to count. Keefe had quite a few problems for which he voiced, the first was goalie interference. The second issue was a high stick incident.

Also Read| Larry Brooks bashes Alex Ovechkin for supporting Putin while in pursuit of NHL history

Sheldon Keefe and the whole Leafs’ organization were fined by the League

Late in the third period, Sheldon Keefe raised his voice after forward Zach Aston-Reese fell victim to a high-sticking incident. Though it was quite evident the official didn’t check for flaws and proceeded with the game. Not only the coach, but many Leafs’ fans took to Twitter to express their feelings.

Social media has been burning with comments supporting the Leafs‘ cause. Apart from Keefe being fined, the NHL fined $100,000 for CBA violations to the entire Leafs’ organization. 

In a statement released by the League, they wrote, “The National Hockey League announced today that it has fined the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization $100,000 for the team’s travel to St. Louis on Dec. 26, 2022”. 

“This team activity was in violation of Article 16.5(b) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association.” The fine was counted as the organizations were planned to fly on December 27 to St. Louis after midnight Eastern Time.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the team took off on December 26 before 10.30 pm E.T. The league stopped any player activities from 24-26 for the Christmas break, so their actions went against their statement. Now with a total fine of $125,000 the organization will certainly feel its pockets being empty a bit.

As per Friedman, “The team argued that, because STL is a 90-minute/two-hour flight, it would be better to go at night and get in then (as players are accustomed to), rather than go at 5 am. I’ve asked a couple of sources if players agreed, and preliminary replies are yes…”

Christmas left the Leafs a lot out of their pockets, but their OT victory against the Blues may have softened the blow. Though Keefe cried out for the most part of the game, the team did win against their competitor. They’ll just have to swallow whatever happened and move on to the next chapter.

Also Read| Jonathan Toews Net Worth, NHL Career, Endorsements, Wife, House, and more

Also Read| Who is Jonathan Toews’ girlfriend? Know all about Lindsey Vecchione

Do follow us on:  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter