A Seattle father is facing charges after violently confronting two young referees during his son’s youth hockey game on February 9 at Kraken Community Iceplex. The incident unfolded when 42-year-old Uriel Isaac Cortes Gonzalez walked onto the ice and pushed the two referees, aged 12 and 14, causing them to fall over.
Authorities reported that Gonzalez has been charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor. After the incident was caught on video, which was shared by the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, it became clear that the father’s actions were unacceptable.
The Seattle Fire Department later confirmed that the referees were examined and found to be in stable condition, not requiring hospitalization. In a police report, Gonzalez claimed he was trying to defend his son and break up a fight that he alleged was occurring on the ice. He reported that another player had been physically attacking his son without the referees intervening. However, witnesses stated that the supposed altercation lasted only about ten seconds and had already been resolved by the referees when Gonzalez charged onto the ice.
Witness accounts paint a different picture, saying that Gonzalez shouted aggressively at the referees before pushing them. He apparently didn’t realize that they were just teenagers, and he has expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
The Kraken Community Iceplex issued a strong statement condemning the incident, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in sports. They are cooperating with ongoing investigations by the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey and have banned Gonzalez from the facility.
To promote positive behavior, a “Cool Down Challenge” has been initiated by the ice rink’s community on social media to encourage respect for referees.
Jody Carpenter, president of the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association, also spoke out against the incident, expressing deep disappointment in the behavior exhibited during the game. He stressed the importance of respect towards officials and maintaining sportsmanship within the hockey community.
