When a volunteer-run organization is in the spotlight, it is usually a good thing. There is no such thing as bad publicity, right?
But at a time of year when playoff hockey excitement is building, an off-ice issue involving Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society and its former coach and general manager is taking some of the focus away from the on-ice product.
Kent Lewis filed a civil lawsuit against the Kings in Powell River Law Courts on March 2. His intention, according to his lawyer, is to seek compensation and damages due to the termination of his contract on January 29.
The lawsuit timing is less than ideal for the hockey club, but seeking legal counsel and recourse is a right any employee has, regardless of what anyone else thinks or knows about the reason behind a firing.
While Lewis seeks to protect his reputation and rights as an employee, the hockey club is demonstrating confidence that its decision was fair. The board of directors feel they acted in the best interests of the team and society.
Any high-profile business or organization will face scrutiny for decisions made that create adversity and result in rumours, true or untrue. The uncomfortable aspect of this situation comes from the fact that society members are not paid; they are volunteers. No one takes on a role like that thinking they will end up in court or have themselves, or family members, verbally attacked online or in person for a decision they deemed necessary.
There is no villain here, or at least no public, verifiable information that indicates who is or was at fault, if anyone. It is a matter of well-respected people on both sides dealing with an internal situation.
Lewis is from Powell River, not a hired gun from elsewhere, and enjoyed success as a player and coach at many levels. His involvement in recruitment of players has had a positive effect on this community. Many of those players have been involved in Powell River away from the game; some have even chosen to stay or come back for work or to raise families.
Just as Lewis’ legacy should reflect his years of commitment to winning and developing players, club society board members deserve recognition for their efforts behind the scenes. The legal situation should not detract from the contributions of either party.
In reality, no one outside of the Kings board and Lewis know the reason for the dismissal, and that may always be the case.
