Paul Halloran: South Shore Kings player punches ref, banned lifetime from USPHL
A video of a junior hockey player went viral after he punched a referee in the face during an on-ice game in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday, February 20.
Paul Halloran from the South Shore Kings has been banned from the league for his entire life. Playing in the United States Premier Hockey League, which is an amateur developmental league, Paul was left furious after being thrown out of the game after which he ran into the referee and then punched him in the face out of anger.
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The 20-second clip was released on the internet and shows the Kings' No. 19 Paul Horran punching the official during the match. The fight appeared to be accidental at first but the Kings, but after the player gave an extra shove, he was given an immediate penalty.
Safe to say, I don’t think he liked what the ref said to him 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/zJUe61SMUT
— Justin (McLovin) (@tarpsoffmclovin) February 20, 2022
Bob Turrow, the commissioner of the United States Premier Hockey League, wrote in a statement, “The action taken today by a USPHL player is completely unacceptable,” “The USPHL has zero tolerance for any player striking an official, at any time. The player in question’s actions has led to a lifetime ban. The incident is currently being investigated by local authorities and as such the USPHL will have no further comments at this time.”
Statement From USPHL Commissioner.
— USPHL (@USPHL) February 20, 2022
“The action taken today by a USPHL player is completely unacceptable in the USPHL. The USPHL has zero tolerance for any player striking any official, at any time. The player in question’s actions have led to a lifetime ban.
Continued: pic.twitter.com/FFhG4uYWMl
ESPN rules analyst Dave Jackson hit back at the people who were justifying the players for his act. He said on Twitter, “I can’t believe there are comments on here justifying this sucker punch. This is an inexcusable act and it’s why we’re losing minor hockey officials at an alarming rate. Imagine that was your son or daughter officiating.”
I can’t believe there are comments on here justifying this sucker-punch. This is an inexcusable act and it’s why we’re losing minor hockey officials at an alarming rate. Imagine that was your son or daughter officiating. https://t.co/cv0i7mxZjG
— Dave Jackson (@ESPNRefNHL) February 21, 2022
The DailyMail.com reported that Foxborough police is investigating the incident further and reported that the player had left the premises by the time officers reached.
“The situation is under investigation by the Foxborough Police and we are aware of the video,' Foxborough chief Michael Grace told DailyMail.com in an email. “
“We will be gathering more information as we speak to the two parties involved. This investigation is still ongoing.”