Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woodstock Police have charged a 42-year-old city man after an ugly scene at a Woodstock arena.
On Saturday, March 1 at about 8:43 a.m., an incident during a youth hockey game led to the arrest of a 42-year-old coach from Woodstock. Police say the disturbance occurred during a 7-year-old's hockey game when the coach argued a call with the referee, challenging the referee’s decision. The confrontation escalated when the coach began shouting profanities at the official and the game was stopped.
The referee ejected the coach from the game and police said he continued to cause a scene by shouting and refusing to leave the premises. An arena staff member, employed by the city, then called police for assistance to have the male removed from the facility.
Police arrived and escorted the coach to his dressing room to gather his personal belongings.
“However, the situation escalated further as the coach continued to be disruptive, yelling at spectators. Police began to escort the male out, when he became violent. In a violent outburst, he physically resisted officers and began swinging his arms, leading to a confrontation. Two officers were forced to physically restrain the coach after he assaulted them,” said a news release.
The coach was arrested for causing a disturbance, two counts of assaulting police and resisting arrest.
Woodstock police are asking anyone with a video of the incident to forward it to them.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect, especially in youth sports, where the conduct of coaches and spectators can set an example for young athletes,” added the release.
Woodstock Minor Hockey and its parent body, Alliance Hockey, issued a joint statement after being contacted by the Echo.
“The Woodstock Minor Hockey Association and Alliance Hockey are aware of a serious situation involving a coach that occurred this past weekend in Woodstock. The safety of our participants is a priority, and we thank those individuals on site along with the City of Woodstock Arena Staff and the Woodstock Police Service for their assistance in managing the incident. The individual is indefinitely suspended from all sanctioned programming, and we are continuing to support the ongoing police investigation.”
An interim indefinite suspension has been imposed on the coach, and the incident has been referred to Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP) for review. The Third Party will decide whether to take jurisdiction over the matter or defer to the OHF/Member Partner.
“The outcome of the assault charge and court proceedings are pending. According to the OHF Screening Policy, if the coach is convicted of assault, they will be deemed ineligible for a period of three years, starting from the date the court imposes the penalty,” added Alliance Executive Director Tyler Tolton.
Comentarios