University of Lethbridge parts ways with women’s hockey team coach

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — A woman who was named in a lawsuit filed by some members of the University of Lethbridge women’s hockey team is no longer coach.

The players alleged in the lawsuit filed in August that Pronghorns coach Michelle Janus made abusive remarks to players and allowed bullying on the team.

The lawsuit also alleges the university did not do enough when multiple concerns were raised as early as 2015.

In November, the university filed a statement of defence calling the allegations scandalous and an abuse of process.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

18h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

On Tuesday, the university issued a brief announcement that Janus is no longer with the team but made no mention of the lawsuit.

“Effective immediately, Michelle Janus is no longer the head coach of the Pronghorns women’s hockey program,” the release said. 

“The women’s hockey players have been made aware of this change and Pronghorn Athletics will announce an interim coach in the near future.

“As this is a human resources matter, the University will not make any further comment.”

Later, a university spokesman said the lawsuit is still before the courts but declined to say if the case is connected to Janus leaving the team.  

The statement of claim says the players were “subjected to the harassing and demeaning conduct, representations, omission and/or negligence.”

The players also allege the university breached its contracts with the players by failing to maintain an environment free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

A list of damages alleged by the players include physical, psychological and emotional harm, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, headaches, insomnia and loss of interest in playing sports, specifically hockey.

A list of complaints were submitted to the university in May by six players, including the four who filed the lawsuit.

They outlined concerns with Janus under the university’s harassment and discrimination policy and asked for her termination.

That resulted in the university launching an investigation. It concluded with a response from acting chief human resources officer Nancy Walker on July 31.

“The conclusion relating to the harassment complaint was that the policy on harassment has been violated,” wrote Walker.

She went on to outline steps that would be taken to address the situation, including improved communication, counselling and more in-depth training for Janus. (Lethbridge News Now, The Canadian Press)

The Canadian Press