Watch: Saguenéens game marred by dangerous play: “That’s cowardly hockey,” Rangers coach fumes

KITCHENER, Kelowna — Kitchener Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas was furious after his team’s 3-2 win over the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in Memorial Cup play, and his anger centered on a third-period incident involving defenseman Jordan Tourigny and Rangers forward Christian Humphreys.

Late in the game, while the two players battled along the boards, Tourigny appeared to make contact with Humphreys using his skate. Humphreys left the ice and headed to the locker room. Tourigny was assessed a major penalty and ejected from the game, drawing boos from the crowd.

Ahokas said the play had no place in hockey and sharply condemned Tourigny’s actions, describing the incident as a cowardly move rather than a hard hockey play. He argued that physical play is part of the sport, but said the use of a skate crossed a line and violated the values of the game. His comments reflected unusual intensity from a coach known for his calm demeanor.

Despite receiving a five-minute power play after the penalty, the Rangers were unable to score. Ahokas said the team was shaken by the incident at first, but still managed to regroup and secure the victory that sent Kitchener to the Memorial Cup final.

Humphreys’ condition was still being evaluated after he exited the game. A video of the incident circulated on social media and showed the Rangers player leaving for the dressing room after the major penalty was called.

On the Chicoutimi side, head coach Yanick Jean was more restrained in his comments. He said he initially thought Tourigny had stepped on the hockey stick, and suggested that the matter should be left to the league’s disciplinary process rather than decided by him.

The win gave Kitchener a spot in the Memorial Cup final, but the postgame focus quickly shifted from the result to the controversial play and the potential consequences for Tourigny. The incident added a tense and emotional layer to a game already carrying major stakes, with one team advancing and the other left to face questions about discipline, safety and intent.