NORTHERN DISCLOSURE: THE PEOPLE OF HOCKEY vs DEREK PRUE

When it comes to leaving a mark on the game of hockey, there's one person in Alberta that will go down in history for leaving the nastiest skid mark imaginable and that is Doctor Derek Prue.

Although we can't confirm when Prue decided to add that Doctor title to his name. There's one thing we do know for sure and that is the fact that Prue is a master at manipulating unsuspecting parents, sponsors, and building operators.

Former Western States Hockey League president Ron White provided a very sounding quote for today's article. "I have nothing good to say about Derek Prue."

I feel it's clear that we would get similar feelings from those involved with Prue during his stops in the Greater Metro Hockey League, Western Provinces Hockey League, and anyone currently trying to get through the holidays as part of Prue's latest train wreck, the National Junior Hockey League.

The real question is this. How can all these people decide that Prue was going to be a safe bet? Does anyone bother to use Google anymore? A simple search pulls up pages and pages of Prue's greatest hits.

Prue is the man behind the NJHL, but his name cannot be found in the league's website. That is very interesting considering his name is on everything else. That includes this Affidavit intended for an Alberta court.

Site sponsors:

I, Tyson Peterson, of Fort Macleod, Alberta, solemnly affirm that the following statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief:

1. Background

1. I am the plaintiff and victim in this matter.

2. On or about October 28, 2024, I sent Mr. Derek Prue and the Northern Junior Hockey League (NJHL) $5,000 by credit card (Exhibit A) and an additional $10,000 by e-transfer (Exhibit B). These payments were made as part of an agreement to purchase an expansion team in the NJHL for the next season.

3. Shortly after, Mr. Prue learned of my intent to purchase a second team, driven by my passion for helping kids succeed in hockey. He then informed me that I must first purchase the Claresholm Thunder Jr. A Hockey Club and assume ownership starting November 15, 2024.

4. A new contract was drafted for this purpose, stating that I would acquire the team debt-free (Exhibit C).

2. Financial Obligations and Breach of Contract

5. The contract stipulated a payment schedule, with the remaining $10,000 of the $25,000 deposit due by November 21, 2024.

6. After signing the agreement, I discovered several undisclosed debts associated with the team, including:

• Outstanding ice rental fees for October 2024.

• Billet fees paid by parents but not transferred to the billets.

• Unpaid wages for the team trainer.

• Vendor payments owed to a sign company.

• Additional undisclosed debts revealed later.

7. These debts violated the terms of the agreement, which guaranteed a debt-free team.

8. Despite repeated requests, Mr. Prue failed to provide:

• A signed copy of the contract.

• Login credentials for “Hockey Shift,” which hindered my ability to:

• Register ownership of the team with the province.

• Open a bank account.

• Obtain a liquor license or operate under proper non-profit status.

• Properly fulfill my role as GM, coach, and owner.

3. Misconduct and Mismanagement by the NJHL

9. On November 15, 2024, during our first game against Lac La Biche, the opposing team played a suspended player, violating league policies and potentially voiding insurance coverage for the rink, players, and officials (Exhibit D).

10. On November 28, 2024, while I was undergoing surgery, Mr. Prue threatened to revoke my ownership via email if I did not pay the remaining $10,000. I informed him that the payment would be made after addressing the undisclosed debts (Exhibit E).

11. Between November 15 and December 5, 2024, I made significant improvements to the team, including:

• Trading seven players and signing nine new ones.

• Establishing curfews, healthy diets, and post-game meal routines.

• Creating a sense of community and camaraderie among the players.

• Engaging with the community to build a positive environment.

12. Despite these efforts, on December 6, 2024, I received an email from Mr. Prue stating that my ownership was revoked, citing unsubstantiated policy violations. When I requested proof, I was blocked and remain blocked to this day. This could not have occurred if I had been properly provided the legal documents showing ownership transfer to register with the province as a non-profit (Exhibit G).

4. Fraudulent Practices

13. My investigation uncovered numerous fraudulent activities, including:

• The use of an improperly obtained liquor license by falsely claiming private events (Exhibit H).

• Misrepresentation of ownership structure, as the contract was signed under Western Provinces Hockey Academy Ltd., a corporation that has since been struck off and dissolved (Exhibit I).

• The trade name “Claresholm Thunder Jr. A Hockey Club” being owned by a separate entity (Exhibit J).

• At least two other contracts operating under the dissolved corporation, with evidence suggesting the NJHL itself uses this dissolved entity for insurance purposes.

14. These findings strongly suggest that Mr. Prue knowingly entered into agreements under a dissolved corporation, failed to disclose material facts, and engaged in contract fraud. His actions jeopardize players, officials, community members, and volunteers.

5. Impact on Players and Community

15. The actions of Mr. Prue and the NJHL have caused significant harm to players, their families, and the community, including:

• Financial losses for parents who paid billet fees and other costs.

• Emotional distress for players subjected to unprofessional behavior, including yelling, swearing, unnecessary trades, and unqualified staff oversight.

• Poor management practices, including an owner younger than some players.

16. My wife and I worked tirelessly to create a positive environment for the team, as evidenced by letters and messages from parents, players, and staff (Exhibit L).

6. Relief Sought

17. I respectfully request the following relief from the court:

• A full refund of my $15,000 deposit and reimbursement for all additional funds, including costs for a team bus already under repair. The total amounts to $352,300 (Exhibit M).

• An order to cease operations of the Claresholm Thunder Jr. A Hockey Club and the NJHL until this matter is resolved.

• A ruling on the contractual breaches and fraudulent activities committed by Mr. Prue and his associated entities.

18. This matter is time-sensitive. If the team and league continue operating, they risk becoming irreparably damaged or folding before this case is resolved. For example, on December 13, 2024, the Thunder played a game with only seven skaters and three goalies, borrowing two players to ice a team.

19. Mr. Prue has a documented track record of financial misconduct, defrauding communities, parents, and players. Reports suggest he has caused millions of dollars in harm, particularly targeting Indigenous families and communities, relying on band councils to cover costs.

20. I learned of a player who was belittled, traded, and mistreated for reporting inappropriate behavior, including drug use around minors. People fear coming forward due to potential retaliation. A safe and fair system is imperative to address these issues in court (Exhibit N).

21. If action is not taken immediately, I fear Mr. Prue will dissolve the NJHL, vanish, or create a new league, continuing his fraudulent practices. Reports indicate he has been affiliated with or removed from at least six leagues in the past five years.

7. Final Statement

This affidavit provides a summary of the key issues in this case. I have kept the content concise, organized, and to the point for clarity and court review.

There are fraudsters and con-artists in every business and in just about every country. The difficult part for the courts is deciding if cases belong in civil or criminal courts, and sometimes even both. In this situation, it appears that the NJHL owners (and other victims) can hand Alberta prosecutors an easy scheme to defraud criminal case. That's just my opinion.

I'm not an attorney, but way too many attorneys have spent large numbers of billable hours pouring over my work. I asked one of those guys about this situation on Sunday. That legal expert's opinion is that If everything said in Mr. Peterson's statement is factual, Prue's actions are indefensible.

My suggestion to ALL that feel Prue and the NJHL has defrauded their family or business should follow Mr. Peterson's lead and present that evidence to the prosecutors in their home jurisdiction.

I'm afraid that any civil action will result in some type of judgement, something that is very difficult to collect on. A criminal case could easily result in serious incarceration, especially if there are multiple cases tied to the same scheme.

When that happens, it is clear Prue may be in need of a different kind of doctor...the proctologist.

NORTHERN DISCLOSURE: THE PEOPLE OF HOCKEY vs DEREK PRUE Dr. Prue has a long history of emptying wallets in the name of hockey.

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