Parents became involved in a youth ball hockey game brawl March 29, leading to charges being filed by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.
The altercation, which occurred during the American Ball Hockey Alliance's (ABHA) Veterans Memorial Invitational tournament, took place when a fight between players led to coaches and parents stepping onto the rink.
On April 2, police confirmed that 41-year-old Colleen Biddle of Philadelphia, 38-year-old Robert Schafer of Maple Shade and 38-year-old Justin Pacheco of Philadelphia were being charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
ABHA representatives released a statement March 30 denouncing the actions that occurred during the tournament. They said that the behavior was not "a normal representation of the street/dek hockey," adding that "violence is (never) condoned in our sport."
Both teams involved — the Maple Shade Cadet A and Philadelphia Frenzy Cadet A — were suspended from the tournament.
Maple Shade's assistant coach was suspended from the ABHA as well. League reps are still investigating the incident, and they said that further disciplinary action is yet to come.
The teams each released statements on the incident, stating that they will accept any decision that is given by the ABHA and asking that both parents and players take the time to reflect on the recent altercations and how they can move forward.
The charges are only allegations. No one has been convicted of a crime.
Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Video: Parents charged in brawl from ball hockey tournament
