Rangers coach Mike McKenzie fined $5,000 for officiating comments

Kitchener Rangers Head Coach Mike McKenzie has been fined $5,000 by the OHL after comments he made following Kitchener’s Game 2 loss to the London Knights.

Following the game, McKenzie commented on the disparity in penalties between the teams.

“I don’t even know what to say at this point. I can’t come up with words right now,” said McKenzie after Game 2.

In the series, the Knights have gone 5 for 13 on the man advantage, while the Rangers have only had five power plays total.

“I watch a lot of hockey around the league and it’s clear when there are younger guys behind a bench and guys who have been around a long time behind another bench there’s a fear factor there in terms of making calls and stuff like that, and a respect factor,” McKenzie added after the game on Friday. “That’s just the way the league is. We’re going to have to deal with it.”

In a statement the OHL said, “It is the opinion of the League that the comments are demeaning to our game and provide an overall negative environment to the series.”