Man charged in on-ice hockey brawl
CHARGES PENDING AGAINST SECOND MAN IN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED IN 10-YEAR-OLD GAME
Police have laid charges against a 55-year-old man following a hockey brawl which occurred during a youth hockey tournament at the ATB Centre on Sunday afternoon.
According to Lethbridge Police, charges are also pending against a 36year-old man after a coach and referee were allegedly assaulted.
Part of the incident was caught on a cellphone video and was later released through social media.
Police said, in a news release Monday, that the investigation has subsequently determined at the conclusion of the eighth annual Quest for the Cup tournament, at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday, a 10year-old male player was allegedly involved in a verbal altercation with a referee which escalated to the youth allegedly striking the ref twice with his stick and the ref allegedly pushing him to the ice.
At that point, a group of adults, including coaches and a relative of the 10-year-old player, came onto the ice. A coach from the opposing team was allegedly shoved to the ground and the ref was allegedly punched multiple times by the player’s relative and a second man before the altercation was broken up.
The relative was subsequently arrested without incident but the second man left the arena and police are attempting to locate him. Assault charges are pending against him.
According to the Lethbridge Police Service, the 10-year-old boy was examined by EMS and was not injured. The ref and coach both sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Quest for the Cup tournament involves boys and girls between the ages of seven and 12, and is hosted by the Lethbridgebased skills development organization, High Performance Hockey.
A statement posted to High Performance’s website Sunday evening confirmed the altercation occurred, and says the organization is co-operating with the police investigation. The statement said the tussle “should serve as an example to all about the importance of ensuring the rink is a safe place for our children. Actions like this have no place in our game.”
Robert Farrell Creighton, 55, of Standoff, is charged with one count of assault. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 9.