The AESHL was founded in 1967 to provide a competitive platform for senior hockey teams in eastern Newfoundland.
The CeeBee Stars denied these allegations, with players like Sam Roberts and Matthew Thomey publicly refuting claims of receiving payment.
John's Capitals, Northeast Eagles, Southern Shore Breakers, and Bell Island Blues—left the AESHL to form a new league.
In response, he threw a broken stick towards the fans and engaged in a physical altercation, punching one of them multiple times.
This incident led to Pender receiving a three-game suspension from the league and an indefinite ban from the Danny Cleary Community Centre in Harbour Grace.