CTV News has learned officials are investigating allegations the coach of the Norberry-Glenlee Knights gave his entire teenage team a lesson in hockey fighting.
At a practice, players were allegedly instructed to use upper cut punches because they can hurt, rather than hitting other players on their face masks.
Players were put into a circle and told to fight whomever they wanted, with one player allegedly ending up with a concussion, CTV News has learned.
Joe Kozar from the St. Vital Minor Hockey board said the organization only found out recently about the allegations and said they will be fully investigated.
“In terms of doing any coaching, to use fighting as a positive part of the game – it’s never been done,” said Kozar.
If the reports are true, the incident is unacceptable, he said.
“The rule is plain and simple. There’s no fighting in minor hockey,” said Kozar.
Those words are echoed by Jamie Newton, president of the St. Vital Minor Hockey Association.
He issued a statement on Dec. 11.
“St. Vital Minor Hockey Association in no way condones the use of violence in the game of hockey. This is why it is important to find out what was said because we do not want coaches, managers or any individuals involved with our teams cultivating violence,” said Newton.
Hockey Manitoba is also investigating.
“There could be sanctions against the individual where they could be removed from the bench,” said Peter Woods from Hockey Manitoba.
Woods said the kinds of actions being alleged in the incident won’t be tolerated in minor hockey.
Joe Kozar said all of the people involved will be interviewed, including players and coaches.
