Warning issued

Provincial sport organization responds to increase in game misconducts, major penalties

“Let’s not wait until the acts get to a point where we get into these situations. Let’s take care of this before we go down that road too far. We’re all about the safety of the kids and having these kids play hockey in a safe environment.”

Barry Thompson

Hockey P.E.I.

Hockey P.E.I. officials have seen enough.

When an increase in the number of game misconducts and major penalties was noticed in January, with the majority involving repeat offenders, the chairman of the organization’s discipline and ethics committee sent a memo to each association and league co-ordinator. They in turn spread the information to each of their teams.

“(There was) no point in carrying on any further; (we decided) we’d try to nip this thing before it goes too far,” said Barry Thompson, who penned last week’s memo. “There’s no room for this kind of stuff in the game.”

A player deemed as a repeat offender could be removed for the remainder of the season if the incidents continue.

“Hockey is more of a privilege than a right, so we can remove that individual if we wish for any length of time, but it’s something we take very seriously,” Thompson said.

He said there has been some discussion in the branch about increasing the length of suspensions to try to curb the behaviour. Hockey Canada sets a minimum number of games players are to be suspended for and each branch can strengthen the discipline.

Thompson said the increase in game misconducts and major penalties was noticed in the under-15 and under-18 levels in both boys’ and girls’ hockey. They were for serious types of penalties, including fighting.

In previous years, Hockey P.E.I. usually saw upwards of three incidents a week in January. The numbers this year were between four and six per week.

The branch’s memo said it was concerned about the increased level of disrespect and recklessness of some players. The incidents could lead to serious injuries.

“We’re just trying to be proactive,” Thompson said.

“Let’s not wait until the acts get to a point where we get into these situations. Let’s take care of this before we go down that road too far. We’re all about the safety of the kids and having these kids play hockey in a safe environment.”