When he retired from the NHL, Vanbiesbrouck took over as the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds.
In February 2003, the team had a record of 18–24–4–3.
One month later, on March 7, the Greyhounds lost 6–1 to the Guelph Storm.
After the game, Vanbiesbrouck used a racial slur in expressing his anger with Trevor Daley, a black player and Greyhounds' team captain, to two of Daley's white teammates.
Daley was told of the remarks by his teammates and was advised to leave the team by his agent Bobby Orr.
Daley returned home to Toronto and informed the commissioner of the OHL about the remarks.
The day after Daley left the team, Vanbiesbrouck resigned his positions as head coach and general manager and sold his ownership stake in the team.
In his apology, Vanbiesbrouck stated, "I used the 'N' word instead of calling him Trevor, I used it just not thinking.
It's a mistake and consequences have to be paid by me, I've embarrassed everybody and my family by this one comment.
It's not what they represent and it's not what the Sault Greyhounds organization represents."
He added, "I told Trev this is an old wound with me, I grew up with it.
I'm as sorry as anybody that it's stuck with me."
Daley returned to the team three days after leaving, but Vanbiesbrouck never returned to a coaching position.
When he retired from the NHL, Vanbiesbrouck took over as the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. In February 2003, the team had a record of 18–24–4–3. One month later, on March 7, the Greyhounds lost 6–1 to the Guelph Storm. After the game, Vanbiesbrouck used a racial slur in expressing his anger with Trevor Daley, a black player and Greyhounds' team captain, to two of Daley's white teammates. Daley was told of the remarks by his teammates and was advised to leave the team by his agent Bobby Orr. Daley returned home to Toronto and informed the commissioner of the OHL about the remarks. The day after Daley left the team, Vanbiesbrouck resigned his positions as head coach and general manager and sold his ownership stake in the team. In his apology, Vanbiesbrouck stated, "I used the 'N' word instead of calling him Trevor, I used it just not thinking. It's a mistake and consequences have to be paid by me, I've embarrassed everybody and my family by this one comment. It's not what they represent and it's not what the Sault Greyhounds organization represents." He added, "I told Trev this is an old wound with me, I grew up with it. I'm as sorry as anybody that it's stuck with me." Daley returned to the team three days after leaving, but Vanbiesbrouck never returned to a coaching position.
John Vanbiesbrouck