The Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) is currently looking into an altercation that occurred between coaching staff during a U13 game in Lakeshore, Ontario on Sunday. The game involved the Riverside Rangers and Belle River Canadiens teams.
OMHA stated that the incident is being investigated, and all bench staff from both teams have been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. The association emphasized that such situations have no place in minor hockey and do not align with their values.
A video posted on LiveBarn, an ice rink streaming service, shows coaching staff gathering near one of the benches after the game, leading to a physical altercation with punches thrown while players were nearby.
Belle River Canadiens acknowledged the incident on Facebook, expressing deep disappointment and stating that the actions captured do not reflect the values or expectations of their hockey members.
Anne Marie Schofield, President of Riverside Minor Hockey Association, declined to comment to CBC News due to the ongoing investigation by OMHA.
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey expressed personal disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that such behavior is not acceptable in the community, particularly from adults who serve as role models to young athletes. Bailey mentioned plans to remind user groups of the facility code of conduct and potential additional safety measures based on the OMHA investigation outcomes.
Bailey highlighted that such altercations are uncommon in minor hockey and hopes that this incident does not overshadow the positive contributions made by individuals involved in Lakeshore youth sports on a regular basis.
The game concluded with the Riverside Rangers winning 6-5.