Hockey Scout Fined for Viral Comments
A veteran hockey scout, with over three decades of experience, recently faced consequences after his comments gained traction online.
Terry Bonner, aged 85, shared his thoughts on a new draft pick from his team last week. However, before addressing the question, he made a notable compliment to a female reporter.
“This statement does not reflect the organization’s standards of respect and inclusion,” the league later stated.
Bonner serves as the head scout for the Vancouver Giants, a franchise in the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major contributor to Canada’s junior hockey system, which is renowned for producing NHL talent.
Having been involved as a scout in the WHL since 1992, Bonner’s insights were even solicited for commentary on the draft coverage for Victory+ Network, considering his team held the No. 3 draft pick.
During the coverage, host Kami Koepke inquired about Eli Vickers, a promising 14-year-old prospect selected by the Giants.
“What makes him a good fit for the Giants organization?” Koepke asked, acknowledging Vickers’s skills.
“Well, thank you. You’re a nice girl,” Bonner responded, chuckling a bit as he discussed the team’s decision.
This single compliment raised eyebrows within the WHL, intensified by the fact that one clip of the incident was viewed by over 2.5 million people.
According to reports, WHL Commissioner Dan Near remarked in a statement that Bonner’s comments were detrimental to the league. Consequently, the Giants were fined $5,000 due to his remarks.
“Accountability is a foundational value of our league, and that extends to both players and staff,” Neer stated, further noting that Bonner’s remarks did not align with the league’s expectations for inclusivity.
“In this instance, irrespective of intent, the comments do not embody the organization’s standards of respect and inclusion,” he added.
The WHL will mandate training sessions that include topics like consent, healthy relationships, diversity, and the dangers of bullying and harassment.
Additionally, it’s essential that all WHL members engage in diversity and inclusion education annually. Notably, they are prohibited from behaviors — including speech and social media actions — that could be viewed as disrespectful.
Blaze News has reached out to the Vancouver Giants for their perspective on the situation.
Koepke has yet to publicly comment on the issue and has not responded to inquiries from Blaze News. Recently, she announced her new role with Canadian broadcaster TSN and has been part of sports broadcasting for roughly a decade.
