Seattle police are investigating an incident where a parent shoved two teenage referees onto the ice during a youth hockey game at the Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate on Sunday. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, led a Seattle Police Department officer to determine there was probable cause for two counts of misdemeanor assault.
The referees, aged 13 and 14, were officiating a 12-and-under game when the altercation occurred. According to Jody Carpenter, president of the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, video footage shows a man—identified as a player’s parent—stepping onto the ice and forcefully pushing both referees before quickly walking away.
“This video is tough to watch, but we must take this seriously,” Carpenter said in a statement on Instagram. “Hockey is a passionate sport, but there is absolutely no place for this kind of outrageous behavior, especially in a youth game where a parent physically assaulted two young officials.
Carpenter, who has been involved in hockey for 40 years as a player, parent, and administrator, expressed disbelief. “I’ve never seen anything like this. A parent walking onto the ice and attacking 13- and 14-year-old officials—it’s surreal. It doesn’t seem real until you realize it is, and it’s disgusting.
According to the incident report, officers located the suspect’s vehicle stopped at a red light and informed him that video evidence and the fact that the victims were minors provided probable cause for assault charges. The suspect, described as 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, reportedly became aggressive after a fight broke out between players, including his child.
One referee recalled hearing someone yell, “Get the … off my kid!” before being shoved hard enough to fall on his back, hitting his head on the ice. The other referee said he was pushed into the boards and landed on his right elbow.
Despite the attack, Carpenter said both referees remained in good spirits and were eager to return to officiating. “This was the worst example of parental behavior I’ve ever seen, but it hasn’t discouraged these young officials from continuing in the sport.
The Kraken organization condemned the incident in a statement, emphasizing their commitment to a safe environment at the Iceplex. They are working with legal authorities, the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, and USA Hockey as the investigation continues.
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