No charges yet on alleged stick swinging between Grizzlies and Chiefs
Victoria Grizzlies defenceman Chris Albertini filed a complaint with West Shore RCMP over an alleged assault by Chilliwack Chiefs assistant coach Brandon Fleenor.
Albertini is alleging that Fleenor hit him in the head with a hockey stick during an incident at a game at Bear Mountain Arena on Saturday, Jan. 12.
RCMP spokesperson Kathy Rochlitz said an investigation is ongoing but no charges have been laid yet. She said a number of other people need to be interviewed before a decision can be made on whether or not to press charges.
“We’re in the midst of speaking to witnesses and other teammates, the public who witnessed the incident.”
“It’s alleged at this time that a hockey stick was used, but we haven’t confirmed that at this point,” Rochlitz said. “Basically he (allegedly) took a hockey stick and thrust it towards the player, connecting with the head.”
Further details of the incident were gleaned from a YouTube video which has since been removed. The footage caught the immediate aftermath of the stick’s alleged impact to the head of Albertini, at which time the Grizzlies members clearly engaged in a tug-of-war over the stick with the Chiefs coach.
Adding further question to the event is the fact Albertini was not dressed for the Jan. 12 game because he was suspended for a previous infraction that is yet to be listed on the BCHL website. This would also explain why a hockey player, normally wearing a helmet, would take issue
Albertini is 6-foot-3, 210 lbs., from Hampton, Ont., and came to the Grizzlies from the Plymouth Whalers of the major junior Ontario Hockey League. He has been converted to a forward with the Grizzlies this season and is probably the hardest hitter in the BCHL.
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