As a parent sending your child to a hockey camp, the thought of never seeing them return home is the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, this nightmare became a reality for Greg and Susan Teague, whose son, Ben, a member of the Oakville Rangers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, did not return home from a pre-season camp in September of 2019.
Recently, Greg and Susan filed a lawsuit for negligence and wrongful death against the Rangers and others, seeking compensation of 1 million dollars. According to TSN's Rick Westhead, the lawsuit was filed after the parents received a phone call informing them that their 17-year-old son had been admitted to the hospital due to excessive drinking.
The legislation in Ontario only permits alcohol consumption once they reach 19. It's hard to express any personal views or opinions, but it is important to note that this is a tragedy that no parent should have to endure. The family deserves answers as to how and why this happened, and those responsible should be held accountable. The lack of transparency and silence around hockey culture needs to end, and events like this should not be swept under the rug.
Whether or not the team is responsible for the drinking is yet to be determined, to say the team should be held responsible for underage drinking is a heck of a statement. Junior hockey is a weird mix, especially since half the usually bears the legal age while the other is underage. Teams need to be aware of what's going on with their players and held accountable if, a lack of action there was.
