The Hershey Bears said a staged fight that occurred during a youth hockey scrimmage at one of the team’s games did not reflect the values of the sport, following widespread attention to video from the incident.
The confrontation took place during an 8U “Mites on Ice” exhibition held during an intermission at a Bears game Saturday in Dauphin County. Footage circulating online showed two young players engaging in a choreographed scuffle during a scrimmage in which one youth team was split into two sides.
In a statement released Monday, the Bears said the conduct seen during the intermission event fell short of the standards expected when young athletes are on the ice. The organization emphasized that hockey must always be played within the rules, with safety as the top priority, particularly at the youth level.
The team said it cannot support or allow actions that put participants at risk and is working closely with the teams involved and its partners to address the situation. The Bears also noted that while they provide the ice for the intermission activity, they do not direct or oversee play during the scrimmage. Coaches affiliated with the participating youth program are responsible for on-ice supervision and instruction.
The incident occurred during a “Mites on Ice” segment, a common feature at professional hockey games that gives young players a brief opportunity to skate in front of a large crowd. The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, which oversees the program, said Mites on Ice is designed to offer a short, lighthearted experience focused on fun rather than competition.
According to the association, the segment is intended to showcase the joy of youth hockey, with young players chasing the puck, occasionally falling, and enjoying their time on the ice. Officials said the staged altercation ran counter to that mission and to broader efforts to promote sportsmanship and safety among young players.
Youth hockey has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over on-ice behavior and player safety, including concerns about fighting and physical contact at early ages. Many leagues have moved to limit or eliminate body checking and emphasize skill development and enjoyment over aggressive play.
The Bears’ statement underscored that commitment, saying youth events associated with the team should align with the sport’s core principles. The organization said it will continue to review how intermission activities are conducted to ensure they meet expectations for safety and sportsmanship.
Source: CBS 21, Hershey Bears