Video from a junior hockey league game in southwestern Ontario has gone viral after appearing to show a linesman punch a player and then get violently tackled by a team trainer charging across the ice.
The London Free Press reports that the incident occurred Nov. 20 during a south division tilt between the London Lakers and Kingsville Kings of the Greater Metro Hockey League. The GMHL is not sanctioned by Hockey Canada.
Multiple fights broke out during the second period after the Kings goalie was knocked over by Lakers captain Michael Wooley, a St. Thomas native. Moments later Wooley could be seen grappling with a linesman before the official motioned with his right arm towards Wooley’s face — knocking the 21-year-old player over.
Seconds later a team trainer could be seen running across the ice before knocking over the official.
A total of 12 penalties were handed out to 10 players, according to the league’s official game summary. Eight players were ejected from the game. Wooley, the player knocked down by the official, remained.
Video of the event has been watched on YouTube nearly 700,000 times. However, this is not the first time the footage has surfaced. Lakers head coach and general manager Jeff Zehr told The London Free Press that a previously uploaded copy was taken down due to the league’s social media policy.
How the footage resurfaced is anyone’s guess, Zehr says.
“It (the posting) has nothing to do with London Lakers or me. I have no idea how it got out there this time,” he said
Zehr explained that trainer Dan Martin was suspended and later resigned. He added the linesman was also suspended. The incident occurred at London Sports Park.
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