New Jersey street hockey youth tournament results in brawl

New Jersey local police investigated a brawl involving players, coaches, and adults at a youth street hockey tournament that took place over the weekend.

The two teams who participated in the sanctioned street hockey tournament in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, were suspended. Video of the brawl began circulating online but was subsequently taken down and reportedly turned over to local police.

A recent article from NJ.com detailed the events that led up to the brawl and the Maple Shade Street Hockey Association’s response. Below is an excerpt from the NJ.com article.

“We are cooperating with the relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the matter, and all relevant security and spectator footage is being turned over to the appropriate officials,” the statement said, according to a statement issued Monday from the American Ball Hockey Alliance.

The Maple Shade Cadet A and Frenzy Cadet A teams were suspended from the tournament, the organization said. The Maple Shade Cadet A assistant coach was also suspended.

Officials said in the statement that “the ABHA Board will convene to discuss further disciplinary measures for both teams as it relates to the remainder of the ABHA season.”

“It is important to note that this incident was instigated by out-of-town teams and does not reflect the values or behavior of the host facility, Egg Harbor Township Street Hockey or their teams or families,” the ABHA statement said.

The association said it recognized “that this incident has garnered significant attention, and we are fully committed to learning from it to continually improve the experience for all those involved in the sport.”

The Maple Shade Street Hockey Association also addressed the fight in a statement on Sunday.

“It is with great disappointment that we address the events that took place in Egg Harbor Township on Saturday. The behavior displayed by certain players and parents falls far below the standards we expect and uphold,” the statement said.

To view the full article from NJ.com, click here.