Dear Editor
At the risk of appearing that we are retaliating to the "Unnecessary force mars minor hockey experience," (Regional Optimist Jan. 28) we feel we must respond.
It is recognized there are always many different perceptions of any event and this situation is certainly no exception.
We could refute several allegations in the letter with our own perceptions, but what would that accomplish? At the end of it all, there would still be opposing views.
Instead, we would like to state that we want nothing different for our kids than any other community wants for their kids - to learn and play developmental hockey. Rightly or wrongly, body contact is a part of hockey and sometimes it gets rougher than we would like. We, too, enjoy good, fair play hockey and that is what is encouraged of our players by the Battlefords Minor Hockey Association, coaches and parents at all levels within the organization. Is everyone perfect at it? No, and we recognize there are exceptions to this philosophy at times, and that is in every community.
It is regrettable there was no mention of the Battleford player who sustained a fractured collar bone after being checked by his opposing player in the same game.
To address the references to the refereeing, let us say this: were there some calls missed? Yes.
Were there good calls made? Absolutely!
The Jan. 28 letter acknowledges players from both sides were expelled from the game for fighting. What more could the referee have done?
It's unfortunate all the individuals in the stands at any game, who think they are "expert refs," don't acquire the proper refereeing credentials, strap on their skates and do the job.
Referees in the Battlefords have depleted significantly, going from four pages of refs down to two this year. But who would want to referee when not a game goes by that they are not criticized? They are human and they make mistakes - even the highly trained refs in the NHL. One could also say that refereeing experienced by Battleford teams in other communities has been less than exemplary.
To that end, it matters not what our perceptions are and what each of us "thinks" happened at this particular game, the video clips that were taken of the game tells the story for us.
We wish a speedy and healthy recovery to both injured players.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Shynkaruk
On behalf of the parents of the Bantam A STEP League Team.
