Hockey teen charged over hit

A 17-year-old from Smiths Falls is facing criminal charges after a controversial hit on an opponent in November.

The hit levelled against a 17-yearold Stittsville player in a major midget league game on Nov. 8, went beyond what is acceptable during a hockey game, according to Ottawa police.

“It’s not a hockey play. It crossed a line,” Ottawa police Const. Marc Soucy said. “We were asked to investigate. We investigated and we decided to lay charges.”

The youth, who can’t be named because he is a minor, was charged Jan. 25 with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.

The hit was made behind the play, after the Stittsville player had cleared a puck from the area and while he was on one knee. A video posted online shows the assailant begin to skate away from the downed player before turning back and slamming the teen’s head into the boards.

Soucy said similar charges have been laid against adults playing hockey in recreational leagues but that he could not recall another situation in which such charges have been laid against a youth hockey player.

It was the second incident of charges being laid at a hockey game this year.

On Jan. 26, a 13-year-old boy was charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats after an altercation between two youths at a Smiths Falls Junior A Bears hockey game.

Smiths Falls Police Services said the youth was charged and given a future court date before being released into the care of his parents.

The incidents come at a time when several hockey associations are trying to be proactive in having parents and players tone down their behaviour.

Hockey parents in Eastern Ontario are now required to take a Respect In Sport course aimed at flagging unacceptable behaviour and attitudes on the ice and in the stands. The course takes about 90 minutes and can be completed online.

Many associations also have parents and players sign agreements that require them to behave on the ice, in dressing rooms or in the stands.

It’s not a hockey play. It crossed a line. OTTAWA POLICE CONST. MARC SOUCY