Seattle Parent Investigated for Assaulting Teen Refs

A Seattle parent is under investigation for allegedly shoving two young referees during a youth hockey game at the Kraken Community Iceplex, prompting potential misdemeanor assault charges. Witnesses and video evidence indicate that the parent walked onto the ice and pushed the teen referees, ages 12 and 14, without provocation, during a pause in the game. The man claimed he acted in defense of his son, who he alleged was involved in an altercation that the referees did not address, although police and witness accounts dismissed this claim as unfounded. Jody Carpenter, President of the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, condemned the act as egregious and emphasized the need for a safe sports environment. The referees were treated for minor injuries by Seattle Fire Department medics and expressed eagerness to return to officiating. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about parent aggression at youth sporting events.