Sarnia Bees GM Fired for Lack of Participation

October 30th, 2025

In a stunning but not entirely unexpected move, the AFHL has officially relieved Rob M. of his duties as General Manager of the Sarnia Bees, citing a prolonged lack of engagement and activity in the league’s Telegram group chat.

The decision comes after months of silence from Rob, whose minimal participation fell well below the standard outlined in the league’s rule book.

“GM participation is the lifeblood of the AFHL and it’s something that is considered mandatory on a regular basis. Even though this is a fantasy hockey league, there are people who take this organization very seriously. The Commissioner has spent and continues to spend countless hours managing and operating this league for you, the GM. Also, there are several GMs who participate faithfully on a daily basis and some would say they live and breathe the AFHL.

As a GM in the AFHL, you are expected to participate regularly. This includes posting messages in our group chat. Post a message or share your opinion about anything: one of your players, your team, an opposing team, trash talk for a new rivalry, talk up some trade bait, talk about something unrelated to hockey, a funny story, etc. Make the 10-second effort to check the group chat and post a message. It doesn’t have to be every day, but at least a couple of times a month.

*If you’re not showing at least the slightest bit of participation, then you will be replaced!”

Rob’s absence in the league’s day-to-day conversation reportedly raised concerns within the league for months. After multiple reminders about engagement expectations, the AFHL Commissioner made the difficult call to move in a new direction.

Commissioner’s Statement

AFHL Commissioner Tony Furino released a statement following the decision:

“It’s never easy to let a GM go, but this league thrives on energy and personality. When someone disappears for months, it creates a void. We owe it to the active GMs who live and breathe this league to maintain that same standard across the board.”

“This move isn’t about punishment — it’s about preserving the culture that makes the AFHL special. We expect every GM to bring their voice to the table. Silence isn’t an option here.”

A Warning to Others

Sources inside league headquarters indicate that a couple of other GMs are currently on the hot seat for similar inactivity. The firing of Rob is being viewed as a “statement move” — a reminder that engagement isn’t optional in the AFHL.

“We’re not running a ghost league,” the Commissioner added. “If you’re here, be here. The GMs who participate faithfully every day — they set the standard. The rest need to catch up or move aside.”

Replacement Announcement Forthcoming

The AFHL confirmed that a replacement GM for the Sarnia Bees has already been identified and will be announced in the coming days.