Lawsuit blamed on parent

Photo: Wayne Moore/file

The owner of the West Kelowna Warriors has reiterated his claim a lawsuit brought on by his former business partner is over a refusal to let her son play on the team.

In court papers filed earlier this week, Warriors owner Kim Dobranski stated the sole reason Xiaorong Liang sought to end their financial partnership is because he, and head coach Brandon West, determined her son, David Wang "was unsafe to play in the BCHL full-time in the 2019-2020 season."

He claimed, Liang "invested in the Warriors for the main purpose of placing her son on a team in the BCHL," adding the determination of Wang's ability was allowed under the terms of the agreement.

"The Plaintiff, refusing to accept the objective assessment of her son, David Wang, immediately sought to end the contractual agreement between the Plaintiff and Defendant, Dobranski, despite the said actions placing the Defendant in difficulties with the BCHL, and requiring the Defendants to take on unexpected financial risk."

Wang is now playing for the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Dobranski says Liang's financial position with the Capitals contravenes the league constitution, regulations and bylaws.

Liang filed suit in early August, claiming Dobranski breached their contract, and asking that a $300,000 investment in the team, plus other payments, be returned.

She claimed she purchased 30 per cent of the team for $300,000, and made three further payments of $95,000.

She stated Dobranski breached the contract by not keeping her apprised of employment issues with then head coach Geoff Grimwood and a refusal to let her see financial records pertaining to the operation of the team.

Dobranski, in his response, has denied both allegations, saying the facts in her suit were "misrepresented."

He stated Liang was kept fully informed on issues concerning Grimwood, and that he had met all financial obligations of the club, and provided financial information to her "on a timely basis."

Dobranski is claiming it was Liang, not he, who breached the contract.

None of the allegations has been tested in court.

A court date has not been set.