Flashback: Horrific HS Hockey Attack Being Called 'Worst Thing I've Seen on Video'
Editor’s Note: Our readers responded strongly to this story when it originally ran; we’re re-posting it here in case you missed it.
A high school hockey player in Texas has been suspended indefinitely after he struck a defenseless player multiple times with his hockey stick.
The attack happened Sunday in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League, which is sponsored by the Dallas Stars.
The Texas Amateur Hockey League Association sponsors the league, and its vice president, Lucas Reid, called the attack “the worst thing that I’ve seen on video.”
The game featured the Arlington/Midlothian Attack vs. the Grapevine/Colleyville Ice Hockey Association.
Two players from opposing teams collided behind the goal, with the Grapevine/Colleyville player rising to his feet first.
While the Arlington/Midlothian player laid defenseless on the ice, the Grapevine/Colleyville player struck him twice on the back with his hockey stick.
A referee quickly skated over to restrain the attacker, and he also received a match penalty, which resulted in him being suspended indefinitely.
Neither player involved in the incident was identified.
Many on social media were calling for more than just a suspension: They think the attacker should be arrested and charged.
Indefinitely should quickly be upgraded to permanently. And charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon.
— Beantown Canuck (@BeantownCanuck) December 14, 2018
Should be charged with assault and banned for life from all organized sports.
— Brian Haslip (@MAADBrewing) December 13, 2018
According to Reid, the player will have a hearing Jan. 8, and at that time, the committee can decide to reinstate the player, overturn the penalty or extend the suspension.
Reid said some coaches and players have faced yearlong suspensions due to incidents on the ice.
Reggie Hall, the president of TAHA, released a statement to WFAA-TV in Dallas:
“The Texas Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey have worked diligently to make our sport safe and enjoyable for amateur hockey players of all ages. This collective effort has been instrumental in the record growth in our Affiliate over the past six years.
“We are disturbed by the actions seen on the video from this weekend’s high school game and have taken immediate steps to suspend the offending player indefinitely pending a disciplinary hearing in January. These actions are not part of our game and have no place in our sport. Such acts are extremely rare and not representative of the players and families that participate in the thousands of games we oversee each and every season.”
According to WFAA, the coach of Arlington/Midlothian said the attacked player was doing OK.
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