Pembroke Lumber Kings Owner Alex Armstrong is seeking a ruling from an Ontario Superior Court judge in Ottawa to overturn a two-and-a-half-year suspension handed down by Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party after two misconduct complaints alleged player bullying and financial mismanagement.
Armstrong was accused in complaints to Hockey Canada of drinking alcohol on the bench, pressuring players to attend costly “optional” skills sessions, and seeking money from parents through intimidation. The complaints also allege he threatened players with reduced ice time and failed to properly supervise the team, contributing to hazing incidents.
Armstrong has been suspended through the 2026–27 season, a penalty that effectively removes him from junior hockey for two and a half years. Although the original sanction was imposed Feb. 17, 2025, Hockey Canada’s independent third party increased the punishment on Dec. 5 after receiving two videos alleged to show Armstrong breaching the suspension, his lawyer told TSN.
Former Head Coach Brandon Richardson has publicly accused Armstrong of releasing him from the team under improper circumstances which has reportedly caused Richardson and his wife to seek financial assistance from the public via a “Go Fund Me” campaign.
Under the terms of the sanction, Armstrong has been ordered not to directly or indirectly communicate with, instruct, or supervise players, team staff, or on-ice officials. He is also barred from coaching, assisting, or holding any leadership role in team activities, practices, games, or competitions, including player evaluations, tryouts, selections, or roster decisions.
Repeated attempts by Pembroketoday.ca and myFM to contact Armstrong for comment have gone unanswered.
(Written By: Richard Evans)