The Port Hope Predators have filed a tampering charge against the Cobourg Cougars.

The Predators allege the Cougars invited three Port Hope minor hockey players to their open skates during the summer without procuring the proper permission from either the Port Hope Minor Hockey Association or the Predators, which hold the Junior A rights to all Port Hope skaters.

The charge states that such participation is against an Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) policy that states no player can participate in any function with a team other than the one that holds their Junior A rights, unless their club has given permission.

Two of the players, Jordan Foster and Cory Giroux, are alleged to have skated with the Cougars on July 25, 2007, while another, Matt Russell, is alleged to have skated with the team twice, on Aug. 1 and 8, 2007. In the tampering charge, the Predators cite prior e-mail communications with Cougars director of hockey operations Mary Giacalone as proof that the Cobourg organization was aware of the tampering rules.

Port Hope is seeking punishments based on Hockey Canada regulation J.1. (A), including a $5,000 fine for each of the incidents, the loss of two unused player allotments for each incident, and suspensions for members of the Cougars hockey operation, including General Manager Joe Bolahood and Giacalone.

The OHA will now begin investigating the claim, and Predators owner and governor Rod Finney will keep a close eye on the proceedings.

“It’s a shame that the Cougars and the Predators can’t get along better. Unfortunately, our hockey rivalry on ice has spilled over off ice,” he said.

“Obviously, we feel our club has been brought under the microscope a few too many times. The rules should be the same for all teams.”

The Predators lost its General Manager Tim Clayden for the entirety of this season after Cobourg filed successful tampering charges against the Predators earlier this year.

The Cougars also have confidence in the OHA and will await their decision, according to Giacalone.

“We believe in due process and the OHA,” she said. “They are looking into the matter and the truth will come out.”

When asked if she was surprised that Port Hope had filed tampering allegations, she said, “We are absolutely not surprised at all.”

OHA President Brent Ladds said an investigation will be launched to determine if there are grounds and sufficient evidence for the charge. If there are, a hearing will be scheduled during which both organizations will be invited to make their submissions, and a verbal decision would be rendered within 10 days.