RCMP called to Edson Minor Hockey game.

On Sunday, February 26, 2017. Officers from the Edson RCMP were called to attend a minor hockey game at Repsol Place, Edson. RCMP Cst. Alex Ayres said of the incident, “It occurred on Sunday, February 26th, 2017 where we received a call for service at Repsol Place. The information that we received was that was a game taking place where there was a significant spread between the scores. The complaint indicated that this had led to an argument taking place between parents in the stands which had the likelihood to become violent. Edson Detachment members attended to keep the peace, and stayed for the remainder of the game to provide a deterrent to any potential violence.”

Ayres confirmed that no arrests were made and no charges were laid or were expected to be laid.

We asked Steve Perrin, president of the Edson Minor Hockey Association (EMHA) is he would like to make a statement and what actions EMHA would be taking against the parties involved and also what actions EMHA would be taking to prevent a recurrence, “I have no comment,” said Perrin.

We asked the Town of Edson, which runs Repsol Place for a comment too, “In speaking with staff, this incident was minor there is nothing to report from the Town side of things,” said Town of Edson communications coordinator, Steve Bethge. “The situation will be monitored and obviously, the behavior is not something we condone, but there is nothing further to report at this time.”

Bad behavior from minor hockey spectators is not new in Canada and sadly neither is fighting in the stands. This event at Edson was not allowed to go to physical violence although based on the RCMP report and comments we have seen on social media it could have.

I have covered many minor hockey matches and although I have not witnessed actual violence amongst spectators I have witnessed, on more than one occasion, abusive and bullying behavior aimed both on and off the ice. I have taken my pictures and left. I had no wish to stay and I had and have no wish to attend with my family or encourage my children to take up hockey in such an intimidating atmosphere. I’m sure that I am not alone in that.

Not every child is going to be an NHL star. But I believe every child that wants to play should have the opportunity to enjoy the game, safely, mentally and physically both on and off the ice. In Ontario, The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), which also has a bad spectator behavior problem, has instigated a compulsory training program for parents.

Not only does the league have an obligation but this goes all the way to the associations, teams, coaches and the venues, which have a duty of care to protect competitors and spectators alike from violent and threatening behavior at leisure centres. Pretending it is not happening or it is not serious, is not, in my view good enough, and left ignored could be a disaster waiting to happen.