West Vancouver hockey dad arrested after brawl at minor hockey game

West Vancouver police said they will recommend a charge of assault after a physical confrontation between two parents at a minor hockey game on Friday. 

Officers were called to the Hollyburn Country Club after the fight allegedly broke out in the viewing area at the Bantam A1 game between the Hollyburn Huskies and Semiahmoo Ravens.

Witnesses told police that two men were watching the game when one man grabbed the other. 

Const. Jeff Palmer said a 67-year-old Langley man had minor bruising and soreness. 

"It's a game in this circumstance being played by 13 and 14-year-old children. It's something where no matter how upset you are about what is going on the ice, it doesn't constitute escalating a dispute into something that's being investigated as a criminal act," Palmer said. 

Ongoing investigations

A 45-year-old West Vancouver man has been arrested and police said they will recommend a charge of assault against him. 

"Hollyburn Country Club is taking the matter very seriously and is cooperating fully with the police department and the B.C. Amateur Hockey Association as they conduct their investigations," said the club's CEO Ed McLaughlin in  a statement. 

"Fortunately, this is an isolated occurrence. Hollyburn Country Club’s hockey program has an excellent record of outstanding sportsmanship on the part of the player and parent community and emphasizes fair play and respectful behavior on the part of everyone involved in the sport at the Club." 

Last month, the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association banned five parents of midget rep hockey players — who are 15 to 18 years old — after they allegedly verbally abused players on the opposing team and referees.