An official was transported to the hospital after being attacked by an upset parent during a junior hockey match in Lac-Etchemin, Quebec. The incident occurred following a junior D hockey match at the local arena, where referee Steve Beaudoin suffered a shoulder injury and is currently unable to move his arm.
Videos circulating on social media depict a man violently pushing Beaudoin after he left the ice. This alarming event was subdued by two police officers from the Sûreté du Québec, who responded promptly to the situation.
According to Beaudoin’s brother, Dany Beaudoin, the attack stemmed from the parent’s frustration over a decision made during the game. “He never saw it coming,” Dany Beaudoin recounted. “He was pushed to the ground from behind.” Dany further expressed disbelief at the level of aggression, stating, “You have to be really something to want to attack a referee like that.”
In the aftermath, Beaudoin has officially filed a complaint against his attacker, who was arrested and later released with a promise to appear in court. Quebec’s Minister of Sports, Isabelle Charest, condemned the attack as unacceptable, urging parents to report such behaviors. “We invite parents not to tolerate this kind of action. […] It is not acceptable,” Charest stated.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence surrounding hockey matches in Quebec. Recently, a young referee faced intimidation and violence during a pee-wee match in Thetford Mines, further highlighting the growing concerns about safety in youth sports.
As the community grapples with this incident, it raises questions about the culture surrounding youth sports and the responsibilities of parents and spectators. The need for measures to ensure the safety of officials and players alike is becoming increasingly urgent.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken by sports organizations or local authorities to address this issue. The incident has already garnered significant attention, with over 450 shares on Facebook, indicating a strong public interest in the matter.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the safety of referees and players must be prioritized to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
