Report: Ontario Hockey League investigating Sudbury Wolves following bounty accusations

According to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, the Ontario Hockey League is in the process of investigating the Sudbury Wolves in regards to accusations that a bounty was placed on an opposing player.

According to Marek, on Jan. 18, the Wolves were playing the Barrie Colts. Colts defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson delivered a hit on Nathan Villeneuve. The check was a legal and hard it, and no penalty was handed out on the play. Villeneuve’s teammate, Nolan Collins, stepped in and fought Aitcheson.

Collins was later suspended two games by the league for initiating the fight.

The Wolves and Colts met three days later, but Aitcheson was scratched from the lineup. According to the Marek’s report, Barrie received word about a potential bounty was placed on Aitchesion, so the team elected to make the safe play and hold him out for that game.

Villenevue did not play the next two games following the hit, including the rematch against the Colts on Jan. 21., but he did return to the lineup on Jan. 25. The 17-year-old has been a key contributor to Sudbury’s offense this season, scoring 43 points in 51 games. Currently, the Wolves are tied for first in the Eastern Conference with the Brantford Bulldogs.

Villeneuve is the 51st-ranked North American skater in the latest draft rankings by NHL Central Scouting.

Aitcheson, a prospect eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, has played in every other game this season for Barrie, a team currently sitting on the edge of the playoff picture, despite sitting 25 points back of the Wolves for first in the Central Division.

The OHL, when asked about the alleged incident, said they were investigating an incident, but would not comment further as the investigation is ongoing.

The Colts will next visit the Wolves on Feb. 28.