A Seattle dad has gone viral after he stormed onto the ice rink during his son's hockey game to push two teenage referees onto the floor.
The video was shared on Facebook by the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) shortly after the incident. In a statement, its president, Jody Carpenter said: “The video we are sharing is difficult to watch, but it is crucial that we confront the seriousness of what happened. This incident serves as a stark reminder of why maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our sport is so essential.”
Carpenter explained that the incident occurred during a 12-and-under Rec game in Seattle, WA, during which the parent in question went onto the ice and "physically assaulted two young officials – a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old”.
“There is absolutely no excuse for this type of conduct, and it will not be tolerated at any level or for any reason,” she added.
The man has been suspended from all participation in any USA Hockey-sanctioned activity jurisdiction of PNAHA. He will not be able to attend or participate in games, practices or other events – and the suspension will remain in effect pending the investigation’s outcome and a USA Hockey Bylaw 10 hearing.
The two teenagers who were assaulted are “both physically and mentally recovering”, Carpenter said, adding that their “resilience and composure in the face of this situation is truly remarkable, far beyond their years”.
The father claimed he had “acted in defense of his son” after an altercation with a player on the other team, according to a police report obtained by ABC News. The man has not been publicly named and has not been booked into jail, the outlet reported. He left the rink before police arrived at the scene but was pulled over on the road later on.
He said he went onto the rink to break up a fight, but the police report states that there was “no fight at the time and the game was stopped”. The man told police he was not aware "that the referee was a juvenile and said he would participate as needed for the investigation."
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