Strong Opinion On Recent Hockey Official Attack In WA

Unless you're involved with sports, you probably haven't seen this viral video of a parent attacking two ice hockey officials in Seattle.

If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. 👇

Absurd, right?

Before I share my opinion, let me provide some background and explain why I feel compelled or qualified to comment on this situation.

I grew up playing hockey and began officiating in sixth grade.

Over the years, I made my way through the ranks and worked some pretty high-level hockey throughout the country, including AAA, Junior A, and College.

I spent just shy of twenty years as an ice hockey official; however, it's been about two years since I've last laced up the skates.

Ice Hockey Dynamics

One of the best parts of hockey is that there is usually a little "chirping." 

If you're unfamiliar with that term, it means light-hearted smack talk.

That's always been part of the game's allure, but unfortunately, the occasional chirping has become entirely out of control over the last couple of years.

This lighthearted chirping has quickly escalated to violent outbursts from players, coaches, and even parents.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've witnessed this firsthand while working hockey games.

More recently, these violent outbursts have been directed at on-ice officials.

Abuse Of Hockey Officials

I can tell you firsthand that the abuse sports officials take during games has steadily gotten worse year after year.

I feel that much of this blame lies not only with the parents, coaches, and players but also with the leagues and organizations, such as USA Hockey.

I can't speak for all sporting events, but I can tell you firsthand that ice hockey officials generally receive little support with situations like this.

To add insult to injury, I've witnessed high-level USA hockey employees scream at new officials and berate them for insignificant things.

You wonder why there's a massive shortage of sports officials; simply put, it's not worth it anymore.

The love of the game and minimal compensation is not worth the verbal or physical abuse.

Future Of Ice Hockey

I can't even begin to guess what the future of ice hockey holds.

But if organizations like USA Hockey don't start backing up officials and get a rein on these violent outbursts, there won't be a game left for anybody to enjoy.

The idiot who pulled this stunt in Seattle, Washington, has been charged with two counts of assault.

Here's a statement from the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association.

You'll notice this individual has only been suspended from the Pacific Northwest-sanctioned games.

This gem of a human shouldn't be allowed to set foot in an ice rink in the entire country for the rest of his life, as far as I'm concerned.

Remember, this was not an adult attacking other adults; this was an adult attacking children.

Ice hockey parents need to accept the fact that little Johnny is not going to the NHL and after all it's just a game!

READ NEXT: Is Great Falls Adding Baseball To Their Sports Program?