PITTSBURGH — The NHL’s investigation into anonymous sexual abuse and grooming accusations against Lightning defenseman Ian Cole "found no evidence to substantiate the allegations,” the league announced Saturday in a news release.
The Lightning, who had suspended Cole pending the results of the investigation, have cleared him to return to the team.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond to and refute the anonymous allegations made against me, which I categorically deny,” Cole said in a statement released by the Lightning. “I’m looking forward to returning to the ice with my teammates and will have no further comments on this matter going forward.”
