WHL Fines Vancouver Giants $5,000 After Scout's Compliment to Reporter at Draft

The Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League have been fined $5,000 after one of their scouts made a comment about a reporter's appearance during the league's draft stream.

The incident occurred this week at the WHL's annual draft. Scout Terry Bonner, 85, joined the stream to discuss the team's latest pick but instead complimented the woman at the desk. "Well, thank you very much," Bonner said. "You're a good-looking girl."

The WHL announced the fine for conduct detrimental to the league. Commissioner Dan Near issued a statement: "Accountability is a cornerstone value of our League – that includes both players and staff. In this instance, regardless of intent, the remarks are not reflective of the organization’s standards of respect and inclusion."

The Vancouver Giants play in the WHL, one of three leagues that form the Canadian Hockey League, North America's top junior hockey circuit. The others are the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.