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Powell River Kings allege former coach used ‘fear and intimidation’

Hockey club society responds to Kent Lewis’ lawsuit over firing
Powell River Law Courts

Editor’s note: Language within this article may be offensive to some readers.

Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society has responded to a civil suit filed by former general manager and coach Kent Lewis on March 2.

The Kings fired Lewis on January 29 amid rumours and speculation, and Lewis subsequently filed the civil suit against the hockey club, alleging breach of contract.

In its response filed April 4, the hockey club society stated the relationship between Lewis and the club “became increasingly strained, as [Lewis’] conduct fell far below the standard that was expected of him.”

The Kings allege in their response that Lewis did not meet a conduct clause included in his new employment agreement with the team signed in September 2016.

They allege he used fear and intimidation to manage his relationships with certain players, coaches and team personnel, including current interim head coach Brock Sawyer. They also make multiple allegations regarding language used toward players and employees, including referring to one team employee as a “skank” in the employee’s presence and telling players he would slow a practice drill down for them “because you’re autistic.”

Lewis’ lawyer Lawrence Robinson said the Kings’ response “raises a number of allegations, none of which are proven. The claim has not been resolved.”

Lewis’ Notice of Civil Claim stated that as a consequence of his employment being terminated, he has suffered, “and continues to suffer loss of remuneration and other benefits; loss of reputation and loss of opportunity to enhance his reputation, and emotional trauma and upset caused by the manner and timing of the termination of his employment.”

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Lewis files lawsuit against Powell River Kings - March 7