Following videos released showing now-former associate coach of the Minnesota Wilderness Brendan Phelps being caught in a sting-like operation, as he admitted to soliciting and attempting to meet a 16-year-old boy, the Wilderness have released a statement regarding the situation.
From the Wilderness’ General Manager, Dave Boitz, provided to WDIO: “The Minnesota Wilderness was informed on Sunday, July 10, that a video making allegations against Assistant Coach Brendan Phelps had been posted on YouTube and possibly other social media sites. The Wilderness has been in contact with the North American Hockey League, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and local authorities regarding this matter.
Mr. Phelps’ employment by The Wilderness has ended effective immediately and he has been suspended from all participation in any USA Hockey sanctioned activity, including all activity within the jurisdiction of the NAHL. Based on the information currently available to the The Wilderness, the conduct in question does not appear to have involved any NAHL player personnel or activities.
Local authorities and the U.S. Center for SafeSport are handling this matter and The Wilderness will cooperate with their efforts, in coordination with the NAHL. The team encourages any player, player’s family member, or billet family member who has concerns about Mr. Phelps’ behavior to contact team representatives, so that they can be put in contact with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and/or local authorities.
The incident is now being handled by the local authorities and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Therefore, in cooperation with their investigations, the Minnesota Wilderness has no further comment at this time.”
Phelps’ bio was removed from the team’s website midway through the day on Monday. A request for comment by Tend The Farm was not returned.
Phelps had previously been involved with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders youth organization, prior to joining the Wilderness. Phelps had also worked as a scout for the Flin Flon Bombers of the NOJHL while working with the RoughRiders. As noted in the statement, any players, family, or billet families that have any concerns or additional information are encouraged to reach out to SafeSport or local authorities.
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