Former OHL coach Greg Walters suspended until 2024-25 due to inappropriate verbal interaction

Ontario Hockey League (OHL) commissioner David Branch has announced that former Owen Sound Attack head coach Greg Walters will be suspended until 2024-25 following a verbal interaction with a fellow Attack employee.

The OHL stated that during the game on Oct. 14, 2023, Walters was involved in an altercation that violated the OHL Code of Conduct. Walters was fired by the Attack in the days following.

Effective immediately, he is barred from coaching or participating in any way in the OHL until June 30, 2024, when he may seek reinstatement by applying to the commissioner.

“Based on the results of a League investigation, it is the position of the League that Mr. Walters failed to maintain an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and are free from bullying, harassment or abuse,” the OHL stated in a press release. “Throughout this inappropriate verbal altercation, Mr. Walters also demonstrated a clear lack of commitment to the safety of his players, taking a position that compromises the integrity of the League and our game as a whole. The OHL takes seriously the conduct of coaches who act in a leadership capacity. Each coach must act in a manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of their players.”

The 53-year-old Calgary, Alberta native was hired as the Attack’s head coach prior to the 2021-22 season. He had previously served as the head coach of the Oshawa Generals from 2018-2021.

During the 2016-17 season, Walters was named the CJHL Coach of the Year, OJHL Coach of the Year and OJHL Executive of the Year after leading the Georgetown Raiders to an OJHL Championship; a team that had New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes on it.