Parents Call for Arrest After Son Was 'Deliberately Kicked' in Neck During Hockey Game

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
October 4, 2023 (7:45)

SHARE THIS STORY

This is the kind of thing you never like to hear about in hockey. Parents of a Junior C hockey player in Edmonton, Alberta want police to get involved after their son was kicked in the neck with a skate during a game last week. Officials have ruled the kick given to Richie Compo of the Junior Braves in the Noralta Junior C Hockey League was intentional.

"I was on the ice. He stepped on my head."

"I checked my neck, my hand, there was blood. So I ripped off my helmet."

"I looked him dead in the eyes [and said] 'Don't let me die. Please don't let me die. I don't want to die."

"There was no, no pain, it was just 'I'm dead.' That's all I could think was 'I'm dead.'" - Richard Compo, CTV News

Compo was rushed to hospital by ambulance. He received more than a dozen stiches and spent the night in hospital. He says the skate blade just missed his jugular vein.

Warning, the following photo is graphic

The player accused of kicking Compo, Nate Plaunt of the South West Zone Oil Kings, was given a match penalty and has since been suspended for three games pending a review which could lead to a further suspension. Compo's mother says that's not good enough, and charges should be laid.

"If this were to happen off the ice, not be a hockey player, you'd be charged. Mistake, impulsive thing, it doesn't matter. That impulsive decision coulda took my son's life."

"There's consequences for actions, they're not little boys, they're in their, you know, 18 to 21. They know right from wrong." - Peggy McMillan, CTV News

Police told CTV News they are investigating, but declined making any other comments.

Source: CTV News