Hockey dad banned from games, apologizes for outburst
CBC News | Posted: February 15, 2013 1:24 PM | Last Updated: February 16, 2013
League wants Jason Boyd banned after viral-video outburst
A Manitoba hockey dad says he's sorry for an explosive outburst during a minor-league hockey game in Winnipeg and said he accepts that he will not be allowed to watch his son’s hockey games as a result.
In a YouTube video that went viral Thursday, hockey-dad Jason Boyd can be seen yelling insults at one of his son's hockey opponents.
The teen’s father, Chuck Kitson, steps in to defend his son by asking Boyd not to insult him.
The confrontation then escalates and Boyd threatens Kitson.
"His remarks were uncalled for – completely irresponsible, and for an adult to go on like that, at a kid’s game, is unimaginable," said Kitson.
The incident happened at a minor-league hockey game on Monday night at the Southdale Community Centre.
"I was intimidated. I was scared. His behavior was as violent and threatening as I’ve seen in any hockey game," said Kitson.
Later in the game, Kitson’s son Emerson broke his arm. Kitson said Boyd’s outbursts continued even after that.
"He celebrates again. It was hard to watch. These are kids on the ice," said Kitson.
Kitson's son said he viewed Boyd as a bully but wasn't going to let the incident get to him.
Now, the Lord Selkirk Minor Hockey Association wants Boyd banned from all of its playoff games.
The decision still has to be approved by Hockey Winnipeg, but if upheld, Boyd won't be allowed near the ice for the remainder of the season.
Hockey dad issues statement
Boyd issued a statement on Friday, saying he wanted to "sincerely apologize to Chuck Kitson and his 15-year-old son" for his behaviour at the game.
He said in the written statement, "I cannot and will not try to justify or excuse my actions. I had a significant lapse in judgment and for that I am truly sorry."
He said he accepted the league’s suspension and supported their efforts to reduce parent confrontations at games.
He added he would make an in-person apology to Kitson and his son.
Boyd's family has said the outburst was in the heat of the moment and the ensuing online backlash is unfair.