Sports

Brawl erupts over prep hockey hit

Photo:

Jan 26, 2012 at 12:53 pm

WINONA, Minn. (AP) - An illegal check during a high school hockey game in Winona erupted in a brawl that resulted in 10 ejections.

The check was similar to one that paralyzed a Twin Cities prep hockey player a week earlier. Thursday night's brawl broke out because of a check from behind by an Owatonna player that sent a Winona player into the boards face first.

The Winona player retaliated by throwing punches at the Owatonna player and soon other players joined in the melee, which lasted about 30 seconds. Five players from each team were ejected. KAGE radio says they'll receive a one-game suspension according to Minnesota State High School League rules.

Benilde-St. Margaret hockey player Jack Jablonski suffered a spinal injury Dec. 30 in a tournament game against Wayzata.