Don't Touch The Players ...

[JetMetFan]

This is a tough one because as anyone here who's a hockey parent knows there's really no way GM can help you if a player doesn't leave. Officials are supposed to escort ejected players off the ice but if (s)he doesn't go the only thing you can do by rule - from what I've found with a quick search, at least - is give the player a game misconduct. All that means is (s)he is affected for the next game(s). I guess you could call a delay of game penalty which would punish the remaining players on that team but if someone doesn't go you pretty much have to wait.

In our sport at least you can get an AD, security or other administrator out there to help you...especially since they don't have to be wearing skates.

And Jeff, North American professional hockey is the only branch of the sport that allows fighting without an ejection . Any other level - and anywhere else in the world - you're done.

I found this article which has a little more information. One witness (parent for the other team) did not see the referee touch the player. She said the other teams fans started it, and added that the refs had been verbally abused during that game and in another previous game. In fact this altercation was the second time police had been called to the rink that weekend.

Also, this referee is listed as a commissioner on his association/chapters website.

Bonus: More rink rage!

[JetMetFan]

The truth is always going to be somewhere in the middle. I'm surprised no one has put video online. Even not-so-nutty parents - like me - record all their kids' games if only for nostalgia.

If that was the second time police visited that venue during the weekend those folks have other issues to deal with.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JetMetFan

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And Jeff, North American professional hockey is the only branch of the sport that allows fighting without an ejection . Any other level - and anywhere else in the world - you're done.

I know, that is why Olympic Hockey is enjoyable to watch. But that mentality seems to filter down to other levels where it seems like fighting or almost fighting is accepted.

Peace