HERSHEY, Pa. — The Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club issued a statement Sunday after a fight broke out between its players during a “Mites on Ice” appearance at Saturday night’s Hershey Bears game.
The organization said the incident occurred while young skaters were on the ice between periods. The club did not describe what led to the brawl.
In its statement, the club emphasized that creating a safe and positive environment for children remains its top priority.
In another statement from the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, a spokesperson said they are aware of what they called a “staged fight,” and that the parties involved will face disciplinary action. The organization also mentioned that the intermission game was not sanctioned by USA Hockey or the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association.
The Hershey Bears issued the following statement in response to the injury:
We love hockey, and we take great pride in supporting youth hockey as the foundation of its future.
What occurred during last night’s youth scrimmage involving one team (split into two sides) held during an intermission of a Hershey Bears game did not reflect the values of the sport or the standards we expect when young athletes are on the ice. Hockey must always be played within the rules, with safety as the top priority.
The Hershey Bears are proud to provide opportunities for young players to experience the game in a professional environment. At the same time, we cannot support or allow conduct that puts participants at risk.
The Hershey Bears do not have a role in the intersquad scrimmage play, other than providing the ice for the players. The team’s coaches direct and supervise play on the ice.
We are reviewing this matter and will work closely with participating teams and partners to ensure clear safeguards, supervision and expectations are in place for any future youth activities held during our games. Our focus remains on protecting young players and upholding the integrity of the sport.
We also direct you to the statement made this morning by the Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club regarding yesterday’s on-ice activity from their team, as well as the statement from the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association.
Officials said the organization has begun an internal review and is working to collect information from everyone who was involved or witnessed the incident.
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