Police investigate 'mob mentality' in off-ice hockey brawl

Police are investigating after a fight at a junior hockey game in Calgary became a free-for-all involving not only players, but their parents.

The violencebroke outfollowing a game between the North East Athletic Association Canucks and the North West Calgary Athletic Association Bruins at the Stu Peppard Arena in southwest Calgary on Sunday.

'It was the mob mentality that sort of took over and it's very scary that we would see that in Calgary.' -Murray Briceland, Hockey Calgary

An on-ice altercation carried over off the ice as players and officials headed down the narrow hallway leading to the dressing rooms.

Murray Briceland, the general manager of the minor hockey association Hockey Calgary, told CBC News a player who had been ejected from the game came back to the side of the rink and started challenging other players as they got off the ice.

"Unfortunately spectators, parents got involved as welland it just got carried awayfrom there," said Briceland.

"It was the mob mentality that sort of took over and it's very scary that we would see that in Calgary."

Linesman Rory McCuaig was knocked out by akick to the head. He told the CalgaryHerald hedidn't have a chance to defend himself.

"I was overpowered, I couldn't even get my hands up to my face to protect myself. It was pretty wild," said McCuaig.

The playersare between the ages of 18 and 20.

Calgary Junior Hockey League governor Bob Eacrettsaid he was concerned by the extent of the brawl and the number of people involved.

Hockey Calgary and city police are investigating. Meanwhile, the coachesand all theplayers fromboth of the Junior B teams have been suspended.