Shaler high school hockey player suspended after fight with fans in stands

By: Jerin Steele
Monday, February 14, 2022 | 10:45 PM

A Shaler high school hockey player is suspended indefinitely pending a hearing after an altercation with fans in the stands after a game Thursday against Latrobe at Alpha Ice Complex in Harmar Township.

Video of the incident circulated on social media Monday evening.

PIHL commissioner John Mucha said a disciplinary hearing involving the Shaler player will be scheduled.

“The player will be suspended until the hearing occurs, and at the hearing, a decision will be made as far as how long a suspension will be in play for,” Mucha said.

Shaler hockey coach Cory Sakolsky declined to comment. Team president Brian Skerlong also declined comment and directed questions to school administrators.

Shaler Superintendent Sean Aiken issued a statement late Tuesday morning saying the administration is aware of the incident.

“The Shaler Area School District stands for a commitment to the highest level of sportsmanship for athletes, coaches and spectators at all District events,” Aiken wrote in an email.

“We are in the midst of a thorough investigation, together with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League, to ensure disciplinary measures are followed for those involved in this altercation.

“We also encourage all families and spectators to consider the responsible use of videos and images regarding minors,” Aiken said.

Leslie Rossi, president of the Latrobe Hockey Association, did not respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

According to a report filed by the Harmar Township police, the incident began as an argument between spectators over allegations of rough play by the Shaler player. The report indicated that the investigating officer conducted interviews the night of the incident and returned the next day to review surveillance video.

The report says charges will be filed.

“I doubt whether anything filed would amount to more than a summary disorderly conduct citation or something along those lines,” township police Chief Jason Domaratz said Tuesday.

Mucha said disciplinary action against the Shaler hockey organization as a whole or anyone else involved in the incident will be discussed at the disciplinary hearing.

“To say we’re not in favor of something like this incident or that it was inappropriate would be correct,” Mucha said.

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Shaler