WHL suspends Hurricanes GM

By Lethbridge Herald on November 14, 2025.

Herald FILE photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes GM Peter Anholt spoke to reporters about the team’s newest acquisitions ahead of the 2025 trade deadline in January. Anholt was suspended by the WHL on Friday for violating the league’s Standards of Conduct.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Western Hockey League handed down disciplinary action on Friday  after two separate  investigations were completed that involved  breaches of the WHL Standards of Conduct.

One suspension was given to  Lethbridge Hurricanes GM Peter Anholt.

“The investigation found that Anholt breached the WHL Standards of Conduct through use of intimidating behaviour and language during a post-game address to players in the dressing room following WHL Regular Season game #152 versus Edmonton,” as read in the WHL release.

Anholt has been suspended effective immediately from his duties through Nov. 25 and the Hurricanes have been fined $10,000.

“My behaviour and language in addressing our team did not meet expectations,” Anholt said, in a release.

 “The Lethbridge Hurricanes have always believed in providing a positive environment for our players. I accept the discipline issued by the WHL and will be committed to a higher standard moving forward.”

Anholt will be able to resume his duties on Nov. 26.

Swift Current Broncos head coach Dean DeSilva was handed a five-game suspension while the team was fined $10,000 by the league after that investigation was complete.

“The investigation found that DeSilva, in the process of administering player discipline, breached the WHL Standards of Conduct during two separate on-ice incidents – one occurring during WHL Regular Season game #128 at Prince Albert, and the other during a Broncos practice Monday, Oct. 27,” as read in the WHL release.

DeSilva, however, served the suspension when he missed games from Nov. 5-11.

The Broncos announced that DeSilva resigned from the team on Friday and that assistant coach Regan Darby would be interim head coach.

The WHL found out about the incidents through its 1-800 WHL Respect Line, which provides the teams’ players and staff an anonymous, confidential  way  of reporting situations that may be in  violation of league standards.

“In both scenarios, the WHL has imposed remedial measures that include supplementary education and support, enhanced monitoring, and preventative steps to ensure there is no recurrence of similar conduct,” as read in the release.

WHL commissioner Dan Near says the WHL culture’s cornerstone is accountability.

“The WHL holds all members – whether players, coaches, or executives – to clear and consistent standards of conduct. When those standards are not met, we will take the necessary steps to uphold integrity and protecwt the well-being of everyone involved in our game,” said Near.