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No charges in alleged skate blade-to-the-face during Burnaby hockey game: RCMP

Video of a local Adult Safe Hockey League game last summer appeared to show one player kick another in the face with a skate.
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Burnaby RCMP say charges weren't approved involving an alleged skate-to-the-face incident during a hockey game on July 29, 2022.

No charges will be laid involving an alleged assault during a hockey game in Burnaby last year. 

A public video feed of the game at Scotia Barn on July 29, 2022, showed one player laying on the ice under an opponent's leg during a game.

The opponent then raised his leg and appeared to hit the victim's face with his skate blade. 

The player injured is seen laying on the ice for several minutes. Burnaby RCMP opened an investigation into the incident in August. 

"During the incident, the victim was allegedly kicked by another player, causing injuries that required medical treatment," a statement read. 

In an email Tuesday (April 11) to the NOW, Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Kalanj said assault charges were forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service, but they were not approved. 

Kalanj said the file has been concluded. 

ASHL suspended the player indefinitely

In a statement, the Adult Safe Hockey League (ASHL) said the player involved in the incident during the game between the Hotshots and Grizznasty had been suspended and would face supplemental discipline.

"The conduct and on-ice behaviour depicted in the video in no way aligns with the values of our league and the rules of the game," the league wrote.

"As a result of their actions, the offending player was issued a match penalty and a game ejection. Subsequently, the player has been suspended indefinitely and will receive supplemental discipline in-line with Section 2.15 (A) of the ASHL Rule Book.

"While we acknowledge that the total prevention of incidents like this is not possible, we will continue to ensure that such incidents are treated with appropriate supplemental discipline, including the potential for a player to be permanently expelled from the league." 

The league did not publicly reveal the disciplinary decision. 

- with files from Cornelia Naylor, Burnaby NOW