Timbits hockey coach charged after swearing at referee, then fighting with police

A 42-year-old minor hockey coach from Woodstock, Ont., is facing charges following a disturbance at a game involving seven-year-old players over the weekend. The incident occurred at a municipal arena in Woodstock, where police were called around 8:40 a.m. on Saturday due to an argument escalating into a heated confrontation over a referee’s call.

The altercation took place at Southwood Arena’s green rink during the second period of a game between two Timbits U8/U9 teams. The coach in question was part of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Black team, playing against Tim Hortons Boston Gold. The coach reportedly began shouting profanities at the referee, leading to the game being stopped. The referee decided to eject the coach from the game due to his behavior.

Despite being asked to leave, the coach continued to cause a scene and refused to exit the premises. Arena staff had to contact the police for assistance in removing the coach from the facility. When the authorities arrived and escorted the coach to his dressing room to collect his belongings, he remained disruptive and began yelling at spectators. As he was being escorted out of the building, the coach became physically violent and resisted officers, leading to a confrontation. Two officers had to restrain the coach after he assaulted them.

The accused, whose identity has not been disclosed by the police, is facing charges of two counts of assaulting police, causing a disturbance, and resisting arrest. Despite attempts to reach out for comments from the Woodstock courthouse, Woodstock police, and the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association, no responses were received by publication.

Alison Doherty, a professor at Western University’s school of kinesiology, specializing in community sport research, highlighted the issue of unruly conduct in minor hockey and other youth sports. She emphasized that the culture of hockey and the emphasis on competitive sports have sometimes overshadowed the true essence of the game, which should not solely be about winning.

In response to ongoing verbal abuse towards minor hockey referees, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association introduced a green armband initiative for first-year and teenage referees. The Woodstock Minor Hockey Association, a member of Alliance Hockey, implemented a similar plan for the 2024-25 season. It is noted that neither referee at the game in question was wearing green armbands.

Doherty stressed the importance of following proper procedures in handling such incidents and commended the referee and arena staff for their actions. She highlighted the significance of addressing maltreatment and promoting safe sport practices at the community level. The focus should be on the events that occurred in the arena, rather than the confrontation with the police, as that is not the essence of the sports story.