iStockphoto
- A player in the United States Premier Hockey League has been banned for life.
- The junior hockey player received this lifetime ban after punching a referee over the weekend.
- Read more news about hockey here.
A junior hockey player in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) has been banned for life after punching a referee over the weekend.
The player, a member of the South Shore Kings, an amateur hockey program based in Foxboro, Massachusetts, punched the referee while play was stopped.
In video of the incident, the official appeared to say something to the player that angered him. Another referee quickly jumped in to escort the player off the ice. As they were passing by the initial referee who called the penalty, the player sucker punched the ref, dropping him to the ice.
https://twitter.com/tarpsoffmclovin/status/1495465484128501763
The USPHL player is now being investigated by authorities
After the game, the United States Premier Hockey League issued a statement addressing the player’s unacceptable behavior.
Regarding the incident that took place today, where an on-ice official was struck by a player, Commissioner Bob Turow has issued the following statement:
“The action taken today by a USPHL player is completely unacceptable in the USPHL. The USPHL has zero tolerance for any player striking any official, at any time. The player in question’s actions have led to a lifetime ban. The incident is currently being investigated by local authorities and as such the USPHL will have no further comments at this time.”
The United States Premier Hockey League operates in 24 of the 50 United States and is the largest amateur ice hockey league in America. It is comprised of more than 550 teams, fielding more than 11,000 players in more than 100 organizations.
Related: NHL Ref Expertly Cuts Off Hot Mic While Yelling The F-Word At Player Complaining About Penalty