Fighting is allowed in hockey and happens from time to time but under no circumstances are you supposed to hit a referee. That’s exactly what college hockey player Brett Cook did during a game in Canada. Check it out after the jump.
Cooke is seen in the back slugging the ref who then falls and hits the ice. The ref is visibly hurt and shaken up as he’s crouched over and later helped by fellow referees. Cook was of course given a lifetime ban.
“Upon review by the OUA men’s hockey review panel, consisting of the OUA men’s hockey convenor and a representative of the OUA Sport Committee, Brett Cook has been banned from participating in any OUA-sanctioned competition for the remainder of his university career,” the OUA said in a press release.
Cook did issue the following apology:
“What I did was wrong, plain and simple,” Cook said in the OUA release. “My actions were unacceptable and I take full responsibility. My teammates, coaches and I are thankful that Mr. Piche was not hurt. I am deeply sorry for my actions, for embarrassing my university, the OUA, the CIS and the dignity of the game of hockey and I fully accept the sanctions determined by the OUA.”
