SEATTLE — Players, coaches, and fans looked on in disbelief as a parent assaulted two young referees during a youth hockey game at the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate on Sunday.
The video shows a man shoving one ref, then immediately another, with both falling to the ice.
The game was played between the Junior Kraken and Sno-King youth teams, both of which are operated by the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association.
Watching the video, PNAHA President Jody Carpenter said he was disgusted and disappointed.
“This is an adult going after a minor, which in my book, is inexcusable,” said Carpenter.
According to an SPD report, the over-40 parent who went onto the ice was angry over how the young referees – ages 12 and 14 – handled a brief fight involving his son.
Then told police he didn’t realize the refs were kids.
After the attack, the parent left but was later detained and released by police, who said they would recommend assault charges.
Both referees were ok.
“Never seen a person go on the ice in my 40 years of hockey, go after 13-14-year-old kids before, which is shocking, to say the least,” said Carpenter.
The Sno-King Amateur Hockey Association is also taking action, saying “Sno-King strongly believes there is no room for poor behavior from any person at youth sports that endangers players, coaches and referees and has suspended this individual from Sno-King ice arenas and any Sno-King related event.”
On Monday evening, the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association posted an update from President Jody Carpenter, confirming that the involved parent had been suspended from participating in any USA Hockey-sanctioned activity within the jurisdiction of PNAHA.
PNAHA has taken over jurisdiction and an independent hearing committee has been convened to review the incident and ensure that appropriate action is taken in alignment with USA Hockey policies and bylaws.
President Carpenter added:
“I spoke with our two young officials yesterday, and they are both physically and mentally recovering. Their resilience and composure in the face of this situation is truly remarkable, far beyond their years.
We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support they have received from the hockey community across the U.S. and beyond. Messages of encouragement have come from coast to coast, across Canada, and today, USA Hockey’s President, Mike Trimboli, personally reached out to express his support. PNAHA and our affiliate Associations stand firmly behind these young officials.
We will continue to emphasize that respect for officials and adherence to USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy are not just expectations—they are fundamental to the integrity of the game. PNAHA remains committed to ensuring that hockey is a safe and positive environment for everyone involved.”