Overview
- The melee erupted Jan. 10 during the Hershey Bears’ “Mites on Ice” at Giant Center and involved 8U players from the Central Penn Panthers.
- The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association labeled it a staged fight, said the exhibition was not sanctioned by USA Hockey or the Atlantic District, and promised disciplinary action against players and team officials.
- The Central Penn Panthers said they are conducting an internal review to gather facts and prioritize participant safety.
- The Hershey Bears said the conduct did not reflect their standards and are reviewing safeguards and supervision for future youth activities.
- Viral videos show children punching and tackling without immediate adult intervention, no serious injuries have been publicly confirmed, and a similar December scuffle has intensified oversight concerns.