North Okanagan minor hockey ‘incident’ under investigation after rowdy game

A minor hockey game in Vernon got out of hand on Sunday and the matter is now under investigation.

That according to the Salmon Arm and Greater Vernon hockey associations. Both organizations have denounced the incident as something they won’t tolerate in minor hockey.

The hockey associations issued matching statements after the game, saying they are working with the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association to investigate after players and coaches left their benches for a melee.

A Dec. 21 U18 game at Kal Tire Place, in which the Salmon Arm rec team beat Vernon 9-5, devolved into violence at its end.

Before the end of the third period, the teams amassed a combined five minor penalties, mostly for roughing, according to an online game report. It ended with seven more, including a major penalty for fighting and game misconducts for “abusive behaviour.”

Five of the end-game penalties were handed to Vernon players, with the remaining two against Salmon Arm players.

“The safety, respect and well-being of our players, officials, volunteers and families remains our top priority. Further information will be shared as appropriate once the investigation is complete,” the statements read.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to the associations, but they refused to comment further.

The extent of any player suspensions are not known, and the associations did not comment on whether coaches involved might be suspended.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to Vernon RCMP as adults were involved, but the detachment said officers were not called to the arena.