A Winnipeg minor hockey player was benched for his team’s season finale after his parents, Elena Russo Rusak and Corey Rusak, filed a defamation lawsuit against South Winnipeg Hockey Association (SWHA) vice-president Hiten Shah. The association responded by indefinitely suspending the family from all league-related activities.
The lawsuit, filed at Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, alleges that Shah sent a defamatory email to 17 team families, accusing the couple of misconduct. The email, included in the lawsuit, claims they used inappropriate language and made threats toward a coach. After interviewing witnesses, the association removed them from their coaching roles. The couple denies the accusations, asserting they only confronted the coach about his treatment of players.
Following the lawsuit, SWHA president Steve Mason announced the family’s indefinite suspension, citing a Hockey Manitoba by-law requiring internal appeal processes before legal action. He stated the decision was made after extensive board meetings and aimed at protecting all involved.
The couple’s lawyer, Dave Hill, contends the by-law does not apply in this case, as the lawsuit addresses alleged defamation rather than an appeal of a disciplinary decision. The couple claims the suspension has devastated their nine-year-old son and tarnished their reputation. Seeking an apology and damages, they are considering relocating so their son can continue playing hockey.
Hockey Winnipeg and Hockey Manitoba declined to comment as the case is before the courts.
Source: Swifteradio.com
