The Soo Greyhounds recently removed one of the team's retired numbers from the rafters: John Vanbiesbrouck's No. 1.
Vanbiesbrouck, of course, was the team's coach and general manager in 2003 when it was revealed he used a racial slur — the N-word — to describe Trevor Daley, then a star defenceman with the Hounds.
The organization was ultimately fined $50,000 by the league, the largest fine in OHL history at the time, and Vanbiesbrouck left the team.
But for two decades, The Beezer's number remained hanging at GFL Memorial Gardens — until late last year, when all the retired numbers were removed and replaced with new banners. Except Vanbiesbrouck's.
Earlier this week, Daley spoke out for the first time about the jersey removal, applauding his junior team for doing the right thing and eliminating "a major source of anger and frustration for both me and my family."
Legendary coach Ted Nolan, who guided the Greyhounds to their Memorial Cup championship in 1993, agrees with Daley. A guest on the latest episode of Village Media's Inside the Village podcast, Nolan was asked about the team's decision to remove Vanbiesbrouck's number.
"It's the right thing to do," Nolan said. "What he said was wrong...I like the fact that they took the jersey down."
You can watch the full interview with Nolan HERE.
Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.
Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
Have something to say? You can reach us at itv@villagemedia.ca.
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