N.S. minor hockey coach suspended after official struck during game in Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, N.S. — A minor hockey coach was arrested after allegedly striking an on-ice official during a game in Colchester County on Saturday.

RCMP spokeswoman Cindy Bayers said officers responded at about 10:45 a.m. to a report of an altercation at the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex in Brookfield.

“Upon arrival, officers learned that a 32-year-old Stewiacke man had struck a 27-year-old Truro man during a minor hockey game,” she said. “The victim was not injured per se, and no one else was injured.”

Bayers said both people involved in the altercation were taking part in a game. 

“The charges aren’t yet laid,” she said. “The Stewiacke man was arrested shortly after the incident in relation to assault. He was later released on conditions, including not to attend any minor hockey events, and he’ll appear in Truro provincial court on Dec. 20.”

Bayers said an assault can occur even if no one is hurt. “The assault takes place when the man strikes the other man,” she said.

Hockey Nova Scotia issued a statement saying it was aware of the incident, which has been referred to Hockey Canada for an independent third-party review.

“The coach involved has been suspended indefinitely by Hockey Nova Scotia pending the outcome of these investigations,” said the statement from communications director Garreth MacDonald.

“Counselling is being offered to the players and parents of both teams who were involved in (the) game, as well as the officials.”