2000 Memorial Cup - Barrie Colts Controversy

Barrie Colts Controversy

The Barrie Colts, representing the Ontario Hockey League at the tournament was known more for the erratic behavior of the team and most notably the Brampton Boys, a stable led by David Frost. The stable included Ryan Barnes, Shawn Cation, Mike Jefferson and captain Sheldon Keefe. The players led a walkout during a customary team banquet and refused to shake hands with CHL commissioner David Branch in ceremonial face-offs. Rookie Matt Passfield was fined after it was revealed he scalped his own Memorial Cup tickets. The team also failed to stand at the blue line during introductions, choosing instead to skate around their own zone. Stewart, also added more controversy by shoving the bench back during the opening game, in order to stand in front of his own players, earning a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct after screaming at an official and by ordering his team to do a skatearound, while the Joe Canadian skit was taking place on the ice. and Jefferson calling out both Halifax Mooseheads forward Ramzi Abid, by stating he wanted to slash him in the face and Rimouski Océanic forward Brad Richards, by stating that no one would have heard of Richards if he didn't play in the QMJHL and he would not last five games in the OHL. The Colts reached the Memorial Cup championship game, where they were defeated 6-2 by the Oceanic and while Jefferson shook most of the hands of the Oceanic players, he refused to shake Richards' hand after he had been named tournament MVP. Jefferson, Keefe and head coach Bill Stewart also notoriously walked out of the Halifax Metro Centre without conducting any interviews to the media. The behavior of the Colts, most notably the Brampton Boys drew the ire of many in hockey circles, citing their behavior perceived their team as coming across as being boorish oafs and sore losers. All four of the Brampton Boys, along with head coach Bill Stewart did not return to the Colts the following season. The Colts recorded $10,000 worth of fines as a result of the team's conduct at the tournament.