Multiple authorities are investigating a brawl that occurred between 8U youth hockey players during intermission of an AHL hockey game on Saturday in Pennsylvania.
The incident occurred as the Hershey Bears hosted the Central Penn Panthers Ice Hockey Club for its “Mites on Ice” promotion between periods of a game against the visiting Cleveland Monsters.
Video circulated on social media shows numerous players from both teams exchanging punches while the crowd cheers it on. No referees are seen attempting to interfere in the altercation between the Mites players, which are kids aged 8 and under.
The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association issued a statement Sunday referring to the brawl as a “staged fight.”
“We are aware of a staged fight that occurred at the Hershey Bears (AHL) game involving a Pennsylvania 8U team,” the AAHA wrote in a Facebook post. “Affiliate, league, and club officials are investigating the matter and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against those players and team officials involved with the staged fight. The intermission game was not sanctioned by USA Hockey or the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association.”
The Central Penn Panthers also issued a statement Sunday saying it was also investigating the incident.
“We have been made aware of an incident that occurred last night during the “Mites on Ice” event between periods of the Hershey Bears game,” CPP wrote in a Facebook post. “The safety, well-being, and positive experience of all participants—especially our young players—are of the utmost importance. We are currently conducting an internal review to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. This review will include gathering information from all relevant parties and assessing the situation thoroughly and responsibly.
“At this time, we believe it is important to allow this process to take place before drawing conclusions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families, partners, and community as we work through this matter,” the statement added.
The Monsters fell to the Bears, 3-2.
Zach Mentz is Trending Sports and News Reporter for cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer. His past experience includes time spent with the Cleveland Guardians, Cannabis Business Times, and North Coast Media. His…
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