Canucks Lies Create Ripple Effect
Reluctant PHWA president Stephen Whyno declared back on December 11, 2025 that my membership in the “Pro’ Hockey Writer’s Association” was denied. No reason was given, no details, no due process. He simply made the declaration and vanished. Teenage style ghosting.
I have spoken to his VP Mike Russo in person once, and texted on occasion. We had a twenty minute adult conversation before a Minnesota Wild vs. Kraken game in Seattle – the first five minutes were a bit dicey – that came to his one simple resolution. “I’ll talk to Stephen”. This after Mike appeared to start getting the real picture on the Canucks thing.
At the same time, he was unable or unwilling to provide any specifics as to the offenses that led to my banishment. This remains the ongoing mystery.
So if the two of them actually had a conversation, nothing came of it. Russo indicated the same thing weeks later via text or e-mail, “I’ll talk to him.” Same result.
What’s particularly fascinating about the “you’re out” declaration in December was that just two days earlier Whyno asked me to “tell my side of the story”. Big problem: when I don’t know what the other side of the story is, there is no “my side of the story”. I had no idea what to say.
Even more bizarre is the fact that two weeks earlier, I literally told my entire story in an e-mail to him and Association registrar Kevin McGran, a long-time friend who covers the Maple Leafs for the Toronto Star. I asked them about Association plans in Seattle:
“Hello Stephen and Kevin,
I’m in my 4th season as a fully credentialed beat reporter covering the Seattle Kraken, my 29th year covering the NHL in general, as a play-by-play man, reporter, host, and journalist, and it’s been 44 years since I covered my first NHL game between the Canucks and Red Wings.
So maybe you can answer these questions:
First of all, who is the Seattle chapter head? Ryan Clark told me in September he no longer holds that position. The chapter still has a college student listed as a beat reporter, while my renewal must have been lost.
“Renewal”, because the previous president of PWHA revoked my membership without cause — actually, check that — a completely made up reason, three-quarters of the way through the previous season. I had NEVER heard of the general, I guess call them accusations, excuses he gave, and there was never any due process. No one asked me a single question about anything and still hasn’t.
Time to correct this error and clear my name with my cohorts. I spoke to my friend Larry Brooks this summer about this topic and he found it preposterous. He also gave me quotes for my latest book. Eric Duhatschek also had no explanation for the president’s behavior when I brought it up to him at the HHOF two years ago.
Also raises the question: How long does a ban based on make-believe, or any ban for that matter, last?
Should we not be one of the bastions of a free and open press?
Time to clear this up. It’s damaged my impeccable reputation and I’ve tried my best up until now to avoid legalities.
Thank you for your attention to this simple matter. I’m available to answer any questions you need to ask 24/7. On pacific time. Contact info below.
((Separately, I would still enjoy having you and KMac on my podcast to speak about your respective clubs. Kevin is overdue for his “annual”. 😂))
Best,
Rob Simpson
(over-qualified if you still need a Seattle head rep’)”
A week later, a week prior to his banishment declaration, I asked Whyno why he hadn’t answered my e-mail and even asked again if he’d like to pop on my podcast to talk Rangers. Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill and McGran had both been guests in the interim.
Again, no answer.
Then December 11th:
“At this current time, we are not extending you an invitation to join the PHWA. The executive board has reached that decision unanimously, and we consider the matter closed for this season. We are continuously reviewing our eligibility procedures and will be in touch if anything changes for 2026-27 or beyond.”
The “unanimous vote” was particularly interesting. Really?? And eligibility requirements: There was a college kid working as an intern listed as a member in Seattle.
And “2026-’27 and beyond?” Wait … beyond? It can continue?? Did I kill someone? Rob a bank? Slash someone in the head? Cover-up a sex scandal? Take part in a sex scandal? What am I accused of again? Saw the sentence handed down; still don’t know the charges.
I responded this way.
No answer from anyone.
So while continuing to propagate false accusations to our peers, ignoring due process and related communication, and essentially failing to uphold the most basic job responsibility of the job — again, “dedicated to preserving the rights and improving the access for members of the North American-based media who cover hockey” — Whyno is cowering away.
By the way, “closing the matter for the season” is a cop-out, one he appears to want to extend indefinitely.
If you didn’t want the job, why did you take it? Everyone realizes it thankless, it’s volunteer work, but it’s yours nevertheless. The idea is to carry out the duties professionally, promote access, free speech, and encourage legitimate membership, especially for those that bring a depth of knowledge and experience to the game.
We’ve met each other on a couple occasions over the years, in a press box or at an All-Star event, and it was amiable, as it is, of course, with everyone.
What happened Stephen? What is the problem? Grow a pair and call me. It’s that simple. What are you afraid of?
Or maybe this is more appropriate: Who’s pulling your strings?
Earlier Canucks:
— How Canucks R.J. Saw Malhotra As The Right Choice
Earlier Kraken:
— Glenn’s Gems; Kraken Forward Identifies “Slippery” Doppleganger
