Shocking video shows man knocking down 2 Seattle teen referees at hockey game

SEATTLE - A Seattle parent is under investigation for allegedly assaulting two young referees during a youth hockey game at the Kraken Community Iceplex on Sunday.

The suspect may face misdemeanor assault charges following the incident, which prompted a response from the Seattle Police Department. 

Keep reading to learn more about the incident and what will happen next. 

The backstory:

According to the police report obtained by FOX 13 Seattle, officers arrived at the scene shortly after noon and located the suspect's vehicle at a nearby intersection. The suspect, who was not identified in the report, was stopped by officers and informed of his rights.

The man reportedly entered the ice rink after witnessing his son involved in a physical altercation with another player. He claimed he intervened to protect his son, pushing a referee in the process. However, video footage and witness statements indicated that the referees had already stopped the game and were discussing the incident when the man allegedly shoved them.

The referees, aged 13 and 14, were treated for minor injuries by Seattle Fire Department medics. One referee reported pain in his hip and neck, while the other suffered elbow pain. Both were wearing protective gear at the time of the incident.

Witnesses, including the suspect's wife, corroborated the account of the referees, stating that he entered the ice during a break in the game and pushed the officials. Video evidence from the iceplex's surveillance cameras supported these statements, showing that he shoved the referees without provocation.

What they're saying:

In response to the incident, Jody Carpenter, president of the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, issued a statement to the hockey community:

"The video we are sharing is difficult to watch, but it is crucial that we confront the seriousness of what happened. This incident serves as a stark reminder of why maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our sport is so essential. Hockey is a game of passion, but there is absolutely no place in our sport for the kind of egregious and outrageous behavior that occurred during a 12U Rec game here in Washington, where a parent went onto the ice and physically assaulted two young officials—a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old. In my over 40 years in hockey, I have never witnessed anything so completely unacceptable."

Carpenter emphasized the importance of USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance and Safe Sport Policies.

"There is absolutely no excuse for this type of conduct, and it will not be tolerated at any level or for any reason."

On Monday night, Carpenter issued an update, saying the person involved in the assault has been suspended from all participation in any USA Hockey-sanctioned activity within the jurisdiction of PNAHA.

What's next:

According to the police report, the suspect expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and take responsibility for his actions. He was released from the scene after providing his contact information to the officers.

The Seattle Police Department has recommended that the case be referred to the Seattle Law Department for consideration of two counts of misdemeanor assault. The investigation remains ongoing.

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