Want to know what warrants a lifetime ban from the USPHL? Look no further than this ugly incident that took place during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights and the South Shore Kings recently:
On Sunday, Paul Halloran sucker punched a referee during the first period of his team’s game. Halloran can be seen bumping into the official on the far boards as he tries to bring the puck up the ice. Evidently frustrated by the contact, the 20 year old shoves the ref who quickly blows the play dead and gestures towards the penalty box.
As linesmen begin to approach, Halloran skates towards the official and delivers a blow powerful enough to knock him down. Thankfully the official was not seriously hurt, however Halloran was removed from the game immediately.
The USPHL was quick to condemn the actions and released a statement indicating that Halloran would receive a lifetime ban from the league. Because there is an ongoing investigation by local authorities, the league didn’t offer much more in terms of details.
Former NHL referee Dave Jackson took to social media in the aftermath of the incident to point out how this type of behaviour is precisely why there’s currently a referee shortage across youth sports at the moment. “I can’t believe there are comments on here justifying this sucker-punch. This is an inexcusable act and it’s why we’re losing minor hockey officials at an alarming rate. Imagine that was your son or daughter officiating,” said Jackson.
The USPHL (United States Premier Hockey League) is essentially a Tier 3 Junior hockey league in the US. Formed in 2012, the ten year old league now boasts over 60 member organizations across a variety of age levels from U15 to the NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference).
The South Shore Kings are based out of Foxboro, Massachusetts and have yet to offer comment on the situation.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner