LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – An on-ice confrontation between a referee and some adults at a three-on-three hockey tournament for children in Lethbridge, Alta., is under investigation by police.
Cellphone video shot by a spectator appears to show five unidentified people not on skates approach an official on the ice Sunday at the eighth annual Quest for the Cup tournament.
The referee initially skates backwards before getting shoved by someone in the group.
Both people then fall to the ice before a third person intervenes.
It’s not known what prompted the confrontation at the tournament, which involves boys and girls between the ages of seven and 12 and is put on by the Lethbridge-based skills development organization, High Performance Hockey.
A statement posted to High Performance’s website Sunday evening confirmed the altercation occurred and says the organization is co-operating with the police investigation.
The statement said the tussle “should serve as an example to all about the importance of ensuring the rink is a safe place for our children. Actions like this have no place in our game”
It also said the tournament is an opportunity for players to enjoy the game of hockey with their friends.
“For that reason, we are especially disappointed to see an act like this occur.”
The Canadian Press
