Several community members approached the International Falls School Board Monday in support of Ross Johnson returning as the assistant boys hockey coach for the 2012-13 season.

Sources say that Johnson, who served as assistant coach for the Broncos for the first time last season, was told earlier this summer by Independent School District 361 administration that he would not be recommended to the position for the upcoming season.

The driving force behind the administration’s decision was a YouTube video that featured Johnson partying and drinking alcohol with others.

At Monday’s meeting, it was expressed that Johnson was of the legal drinking age and was not serving as a coach when the video was made and that administration was alerted to the video halfway through the 2011-12 season.

An advertisement seeking an assistant boys hockey coach for the 2012-13 season was posted in The Journal Aug. 4 and Aug. 8. Administrators did not return calls to The Journal for further comment Tuesday.

Bruce Elison, head coach for the boys hockey team, told the board Monday that Johnson played “a huge part” in rebuilding the hockey program.

“Ross has done more than just coach, he’s been a leader,” Elison said.

The coach added that the coaching staff within the hockey program has shifted in the past three years, and he feels removing Johnson would “make the program take another step backwards.”

“I feel it would be a detriment to our program if we lost Ross Johnson,” Elison said.

Derek White, a co-captain of the team, said last year’s coaching staff “really helped us a lot and we had a really great season.”

“We, as a team, believe in second chances,” he said.

In addition to White’s comments, he also submitted a petition to the board with about 25 signatures in support of Johnson.

Bob Anderson, whose grandson, Nick, plays for the team, also submitted a petition from parents and community members. About 150 signatures showed support of Johnson.

The petition said “the parents and citizens of the school district believe Mr. Ross Johnson to be of good character and a responsible person exhibiting excellent leadership and coaching skills in his working with the boys hockey program.”

“We, as parents and citizens, have viewed the video...there were absolutely no laws broken or illegal activity in the video,” Anderson told the board. “We are uncertain as to why the decision not to recommend (Johnson). This should be a lesson for everyone on the issue of placing parties and fun times within the social media pages of the Internet today.”

Brian Youso was the final speaker in support of Johnson. He said Johnson serves as a role model for his two sons who have previously gone through the Falls hockey program.

“Ross can help our program,” Youso said. “Our program definitely needs people like him.”

Johnson spoke on his own behalf and apologized to the board for the video and if his actions offended anyone.

He declined comment when contacted by The Journal Tuesday.