Woodstock hockey coach arrested at U7 game

A Woodstock U7 hockey coach has been arrested following an incident at a recent game.

On Saturday just before 9 a.m., Woodstock police said the coach allegedly argued a call with the referee, challenging the decision of the 7-year-olds’ hockey game. The situation escalated, stopping the game.

The referee kicked the coach out of the game, but reportedly refused to leave, yelling. That led to police being called to help.

Officers said they escorted to coach to the dressing room to collect his things, but the accused started yelling at people attending the game.

“Police began to escort the male out, when he became violent,” the Woodstock Police Service said in a social media post.

“In a violent outburst, he physically resisted officers and began swinging his arms, leading to a confrontation. Two officers were forced to physically restrain the coach after he assaulted them.”

The coach faces charges for causing a disturbance, two counts of assaulting a police officer, and one count of resisting arrest.

Anyone with video footage of the incident is asked to send it to the WPS. Officers remind the importance of sportsmanship and respect, especially in kids’ sports, setting a good example for the players.