Alleged assault in girls' hockey game is under investigation
In what's believed to be a first in girls' high school hockey in Minnesota, Moose Lake police are conducting a criminal investigation into a fight during a game that sent a 15-year-old player to the hospital with temporary paralysis and a concussion.
By LARRY OAKES, Star Tribune
Last update: February 8, 2008 - 5:16 AM
DULUTH - In what's believed to be a first in girls' high school hockey in Minnesota, Moose Lake police are conducting a criminal investigation into a fight during a game that sent a 15-year-old player to the hospital with temporary paralysis and a concussion.
Police Chief Dale Heaton said he wants the city attorney to review police reports to determine whether misdemeanor assault charges are warranted against any players involved in a melee at the end of International Falls' 3-2 victory over Moose Lake-Willow River on Jan. 26.
Falls coach Bruce Elson, who couldn't be reached Thursday, earlier told reporters that while sophomore forward Kim Ergen's injuries were unfortunate, they were the result of rough play in an "emotionally charged game," not criminal intent by any of his players.
"A criminal investigation into what?" Elson asked the Duluth News Tribune on Wednesday. "Kids get injured sometimes."
Fifteen penalties already had been called at Moose Lake's Riverside Arena that Saturday when the home team made a last-ditch effort to tie the game. In an interview Thursday, Heaton said witnesses gave this account:
"In the final seconds, Moose Lake was trying to stuff one in the International Falls goal. Our player may have hit her head or neck on the goal post and went down. Then the whistle blew and the game was over, but more than one player piled on top of her, and an opponent was seen punching her." No penalty was called.
Ergen initially couldn't move her legs. Authorities said she was taken to Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake, then, amid concerns of a possible neck injury, flown to St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. The paralysis passed, but her condition was diagnosed as "a pretty good concussion," Heaton said.
Ergen was back practicing with the team this week, but can't play in a game for at least two more weeks.
Heaton said he opened an investigation at the request of the girl's father. His department is interviewing the Moose Lake players, and International Falls police will interview the Falls players and send the reports to Moose Lake City Attorney Marguerite Doran. The game apparently was not videotaped.
"We know hockey is a rough sport," Heaton said. "But you kind of cross the line if you try to injure someone after the whistle's blown and the play is done. It's no different than if you punched someone out on the street."
Messages left for officials at Falls High School were not returned on Thursday afternoon. The city's police chief, Chris Raboin, said he was surprised at Moose Lake's request for help.
"Girls' hockey is no-check, so it's hard for me to imagine how things could get that out of hand," Raboin said. "We'll help investigate this case like we would any other, because it's the professional thing to do. But personally, I think this is probably being driven by a very upset parent."
The Ergen family could not be reached for comment.
Craig Perry, associate director of the Minnesota State High School League, said officials there knew of no previous police investigation of an alleged assault on the ice in girls' hockey. He said the league is not involved because the incident didn't result in a penalty or disqualification, and it occurred during the regular season, making it a matter of "local control."
Larry Oakes • 1-218-727-7344
