Police Launch Investigation After School Hockey Game Ends With On-Ice Brawl
HATFIELD, Pa. (CBS) -- A local high school hockey club may be facing sanctions after a fight during tournament play in Hatfield.
Hatfield police were called to the Hatfield Ice Arena Thursday night during the Flyers Cup Class 2A quarterfinals pitting Central Bucks West against Ridley Township. CB West was leading 7-to-1.
Video from the event shows four Ridley players come out on the ice, and start swinging at their opponents. Shawn Philipps was taken to Abington Memorial Hospital for a broken nose. His parents have filed a police report.
"I ran down to the ice and to be honest with you, I didn't even recognize him at first. That's how battered up he was," said Shawn's mom, Susan Philipps.
Shawn Philipps suffered a broken nose, eye socket and laceration that required five stitches. Philipp's says it was a premeditated attack.
"I overheard a couple kids on their team saying that in a couple minutes you're not going to be able to play your next game," Philipps said.
Bucks goalie Jonah Brous says coming out of a break, he saw the whole thing unfold.
"Dropping the puck and they all went right after. They all picked a guy out, singled him out and just started beating on them," said Brous.
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This video from the stands captured the chaos.
"It's really disturbing, it's just sad," said Philipps. "Especially the people in the stands cheering when their players go after us."
Lee Ann Wentzel, superintendent of the Ridley School District, says the team is not affiliated with the school, but is a club team.
She says the administration is not happy with what happened, and she met with the team's club president Mike Dolan, Friday afternoon, who released a statement saying:
"The Ridley Hockey Program views the actions of some of our players in the Hockey game against Central Bucks West last night as "indefensible". We are disgusted and appalled with the decisions of our players, and in no way condone their actions. We have strived in the past to create a culture and organization that fosters respect and sportsmanship. Our player's actions fall well below the standards we have set in the past. We whole heartedly apologize to the Central Bucks West Hockey players, coaching staff and parents for this incident. We also apologize to the Ridley community for portraying Ridley in this manner. The Ridley Hockey Program has taken action with the players and will support any discipline handed out by the league. We have also taken steps to ensure that these actions will never occur in the future."
Bob and Susan Philipps want the hockey team, players and league held accountable.
"I mean that's goon hockey in my eyes and for high school or any level or hockey that shouldn't be," said Bob.
Hatfield police are now investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information or video of the event to contact them.