Washington Father Faces Assault Charges After Attacking Teen Referees at Youth Hockey Game
A Washington father is under scrutiny after allegedly assaulting two teenage referees during a youth hockey game, an incident described by authorities as “clearly unprovoked.” The altercation occurred at the Kraken Community Iceplex in Seattle during a 12U recreational hockey match. Uriel Isaac Cortes Gonzalez, 42, was captured on video storming onto the ice and shoving the referees, aged 13 and 14, while they stood on the sidelines during a game break. The footage, shared by Jody Carpenter, president of the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA), quickly drew widespread attention and condemnation.
Carpenter, who has been involved in hockey for over four decades, expressed his dismay in a social media post, stating, “Hockey is a game of passion, but there is absolutely no place in our sport for such egregious and outrageous behavior.” He emphasized that the incident was one of the most unacceptable actions he had witnessed in his long career. The video, originally posted on Instagram, sparked outrage among the hockey community and beyond, prompting immediate action from local law enforcement.
Police arrived at the ice rink shortly after the incident, but Gonzalez had already left the scene. He was later apprehended at a nearby traffic light. During questioning, Gonzalez claimed that his son had been assaulted by an opposing player and that the referees had failed to intervene. His wife supported this account, providing a video of the alleged incident to authorities. However, investigators found no evidence to substantiate these claims, labeling Gonzalez’s actions as “clearly unprovoked.” Witnesses and surveillance footage corroborated the referees’ accounts, further undermining Gonzalez’s defense.
The two young referees, despite the traumatic experience, are reportedly “in good spirits” and eager to officiate future games. Carpenter praised their resilience and the support they received from the local refereeing community, stating, “They can’t wait to ref their next game. I’m very proud of them and the ref association in Seattle for standing by these kids and ensuring they know they’re not alone.” Meanwhile, PNAHA has suspended Gonzalez from participating in any USA Hockey-sanctioned activities and is conducting a hearing to determine further disciplinary actions in accordance with organizational policies.
Gonzalez now faces two counts of assault, with authorities emphasizing the severity of the incident given the age and size disparity between him and the victims. The case has sparked a broader conversation about parental behavior in youth sports and the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for young athletes and officials. As the legal process unfolds, the hockey community remains united in its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and supporting those affected by the incident.