OHL hands Flint Firebirds coach Paul Flache a five-game suspension

TORONTO — Flint Firebirds head coach Paul Flache was given a five-game suspension by the Ontario Hockey League on Friday.

He was also assessed a $2,500 fine as a result of actions detrimental to both the player safety and welfare of the league in a game last Saturday at Brampton, the league said.

Flache was given a game misconduct late in the first period for making “inappropriate remarks” during the course of a review process after Steelheads defenceman Stevie Leskovar was penalized for a check to the head.

Flache, who has already served two games of the ban, is eligible to return on Jan. 18 at Owen Sound.