Kraken invite two young officials assaulted by a parent to game
A nice gesture by an NHL team for two young members of the hockey community.
According to Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek, the Seattle Kraken are to be bringing out two young referees who were assaulted by an unruly adult to a future game.
The Seattle Kraken will be inviting the two young officials who were assaulted over the weekend along with their families to a game after the break. Sounds like they're planning something special for them.
Major s/t to the @SeattleKraken
It has not been reported which game that might be.
The unnamed officials, ages 14 and 13, were assaulted during a 12-and-under youth hockey game this past Sunday at the Kraken Community Iceplex, the official practice facility of the NHL franchise.
After a physical altercation between the two teams, the refs were trying to determine what penalties should be handed out. At this time, a parent jumped on the ice, went over to the refs, and knocked both of them down, leaving both officials injured.
Video of the incident spread quickly throughout hockey circles, with players, officials and parents alike calling for the defense of the teenagers and officials in general.
The parent, now facing two counts of assault filed by the City Attorney’s Office, was quickly located by police after the incident. He claimed his son was being kicked and punched for a long period of time. However, police reports refuted that scenario happened during the game.
Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association Jody Carpenter said she talked with both refs afterward to make sure that they were alright.
“They know it was a very extreme situation they were involved in,” Carpenter said. “The one thing that they do strike me or sticks with me is that they both commented they couldn’t wait to get back on the ice to ref their next game.”
The two refs were treated by Seattle Fire Department medics, with one citing pain in his right hip and rear neck, and the other reporting an injury to his right elbow.
The Kraken released a statement following the incident as well:
“The Seattle Kraken and Kraken Community Iceplex work hard to ensure the Iceplex is a safe place for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in this behavior, and are working with local legal authorities, Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, and USA Hockey to address the incident. We are still gathering facts and due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further comment or information at this time.”