Teen hockey player attacked, coach charged with assault
A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault level one
A coach is facing assault charges after allegedly jumping into an on-ice fight involving his son at Hamilton's Rosedale Arena Tuesday night.
Rosedale Minor Hockey Association Vice-President Mark Beaudoin told CBC News that two players in a midget-level game got into a fight, and things escalated.
Up to that point in the game not a single penalty had been called, he said.
"An altercation broke out and [the coach's son] was involved," Beaudoin said. "One of the coaches went onto the ice and apparently assaulted one of the players."
We've spoken to him and he realizes he made a huge mistake —but that doesn't excuse this at all.- Mark Beaudoin, Rosedale Minor Hockey Association Vice-President
Police were called in just before 10 p.m., Const. Steve Welton said in an email. "Police arrived to investigate and prevent any further escalation," he said.
A 15-year-old player sustained minor injuries, police say.
A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault level one.
Jag Virk, who is the lawyer for the man who has been charged, said in a statement that his client "maintains his innocence."
"He was simply trying to protect his son who was getting assaulted with a hockey stick, right in front of his bench," Virk said. "Everyone needs to wait for all the facts to come out before rushing to judgement. We will provide a further statement at a later time."
Beaudoin said the coach has been banned from the Rosedale Arena, and is no longer involved in the association's activities.
"Coaches need to know you have to shelve the emotions and let the kids play hockey," he said.
The man's kids will still be involved with the association's teams, Beaudoin said. "His kids are still more than welcome."
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