AHL Mite Hockey Brawl Under Multiple Investigations

Multiple investigations are currently underway following a brawl between young hockey players during an AHL game. The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, during the intermission segment of the Hershey Bears’ Mites On Ice event. Players from the Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club were involved in the altercation while Bears and Cleveland Monsters personnel were away from the ice at the Giant Center, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

AHL Mite Hockey Brawl Details

Witnesses reported that players rushed towards each other and engaged in physical confrontations, with punches being thrown. Notably, one player appeared to hit his teammate. The lack of officials intervening during the brawl allowed the onlooking crowd to cheer on the young athletes. Mite hockey players are typically aged 8 and under, and such behavior raises significant concerns.

Responses to the Incident

Footage of the brawl quickly spread across social media, garnering attention from various sports outlets, including “Hockey Night in Canada.” On January 12, 2026, the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) issued a statement, describing the event as a “staged fight.” They confirmed that disciplinary action would follow the investigation into the incident, emphasizing that neither the AAHA nor USA Hockey sanctioned the game.

Commitments to Safety and Review

The Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club vowed to conduct an internal review to understand the incident fully. Their statement highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and positive experience of all participants, particularly the young athletes involved.

• Central Penn Panthers are based in Lancaster, PA.
• The club was established in the early 1990s.
• They cater to players aged 4 to 18 across AA, A, and B levels.

The Hershey Bears also released a statement, expressing their disapproval of the event and affirming their commitment to ensuring safety during youth activities. They noted that the conduct displayed did not align with the values of the sport.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first instance of a fight occurring during a Bears’ Mites On Ice game. Such occurrences raise questions about the supervision and regulation of youth hockey events held in conjunction with professional games. The Bears, an AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, aim to provide a professional environment for young players while emphasizing the importance of safety and conduct on the ice.

The ongoing investigations into the AHL Mite Hockey Brawl mark a pivotal moment for youth sports, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight and adherence to the values of fair play and safety in hockey.