September 14, 2017 · 0 Comments
By Mike Pickford
Three former executives of the now-defunct Orangeville Ice Crushers have pleaded not guilty to multiple marijuana production and trafficking charges.
Trials for Coleman Schneider, Ryan Zeng and Rada Culciar commenced this month after the trio were arrested and charged last November for their part in a suspected local drug operation.
Originally assisting the Dufferin County Sheriff’s office in enforcing a court-ordered eviction at a rural property on the 8th Line of Amaranth on November 14, 2016, Dufferin OPP discovered over $65,000 worth of marijuana, including plant and processed material, along with various pieces of equipment typically used for production. The trio had been renting the property.
Mr. Schneider, whose fixed address was in West Berlin, New Jersey, was the Ice Crushers’ general manager and head coach prior to his arrest. Mr. Zeng, of Orangeville, was the team’s goaltending coach while Ms. Culciar, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was the organization’s director of public relations.
Following the arrests, the Ice Crushers organization lasted just two months before Greater Metro Hockey League General Manager and Commissioner Ken Girard announced the team had folded with immediate effect, citing cash flow problems.
The trial is continuing.