The Mount Forest Patriots have been forced to forfeit game 3 of the PJHL Pollock Division semi final against Fergus due to an improper lineup sheet.
Game 3 between the Patriots and Whalers was played on Tuesday, March 11, and saw the Patriots win 4-3 to take a 2-1 series lead at the time. Fergus won game 4 the following night 4-3 to tie the series at 2.
League officials have confirmed that a complaint was levied by the Whalers following the game 3 result about an improper lineup sheet submitted by the Patriots prior to puck drop, which did not list a player on the Patriots that participated in the game.
A complaint meeting was held on Thursday, March 13 regarding the result of the game, and ultimately, the league ruled that Mount Forest did submit an improper lineup.
CKNX has contacted the PJHL and the Patriots, who both say that statements are being prepared. As it stands, the Whalers now lead the series 3-1 heading into game 5 in Mount Forest on Saturday.
The Patriots have released the following statement:
"The Mount Forest Patriots mistakenly left a registered, and eligible player off the game sheet during game three’s 4-3 win over the Fergus Whalers on March 11, 2025. This resulted in Fergus protesting the game, causing the Mount Forest Patriots to forfeit game three due to the decision. It is our stance that we are a league filled with committed volunteers and mistakes can/will happen. We also believe that this omission didn't create any disadvantage to the Fergus Whalers since this player has been on our roster all year. This is a decision made that could impact our community owned franchise financially by not potentially advancing to the next round, but most importantly it could impact our players, as we have five players who age out after this year, and a remaining roster who wants to compete for our division championship. We also firmly believe that games should be won on the ice, not in the boardroom. Since there was no exact precedent found, the league had to revert back to the rule book for their determination. Since our player was inadvertently left off the game sheet, and no one noticed this omission by the ending of the game, the player became an ineligible player even though that player was a properly registered player, and did not have a suspension. Hockey Canada Rule: 2.2B, players in uniform enacting the OHF playing regulation. Moving forward the Mount Forest Patriots will respect the decision made by the PJHL and get ready for game 5 this Saturday night at 8 p.m. in Mount Forest."
More to come.