A junior hockey player was arrested and charged with assault on Sunday after he left the penalty box to attack a referee.
The incident took place during the final moments of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship game between Erie Community College and Dakota College in Binghamton, New York.
Footage shared by Sports Illustrated shows Erie freshman defenseman Brandon Day leave the penalty box and tackle the official, who appeared motionless on the ice. Thirty-nine seconds remained in the contest, which Dakota led 7-4.
Referees called off the remainder of the title game and awarded Dakota College the victory.
Day was taken into custody by SUNY Broome campus police.
“The NJCAA national office has been made aware of the incident that occurred during its hockey championship game and will take all necessary steps to gather as much information from tournament officials and local authorities regarding violations to the association’s sportsmanship code. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the NJCAA,” said Mark Krug, the NJCAA assistant executive director.
A pair of tweets from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz referenced ECC President Jack Quinn and noted that the player was charged with assault, Deadspin noted.
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