H.S. hockey coach charged with assault after allegedly shoving ref
An assistant high school hockey coach from Taunton High School in Massachusetts was charged with assault, battery and disorderly conduct after allegedly chest bumping, shoving and biting a referee on Wednesday, according to the Boston Globe.
William C. Kenney III allegedly approach the referee after his team lost 9-1, still upset about a first period icing call.
Attleboro police chief Kyle Heagney, who also coaches varsity hockey and was in the stands, was one of the people who broke up the fight after the referee and Kenney began wresting following the shove, according to the police report.
"I was absolutely befuddled that I was witnessing it, from start to finish. Instinctively, my law enforcement training kicked in and I assisted [a Foxborough police] lieutenant, but I was utterly embarrassed for Taunton High School," said Heagney. "I’ve never seen it in 20 years."
The school announced Thursday that Kenney submitted a letter of resignation that morning.
According to the Globe, Kenney was released on personal recognizance after pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf to the charges. A judge ordered him to stay away from the referee in question and all youth sporting events.
- Molly Geary
