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Hockey handshake results in arrest

A 13-year-old was injured and a hockey coach faces possible charges after a post-game altercation Saturday.

A 13-year-old was injured and a hockey coach faces possible charges after a post-game altercation Saturday.

The dust-up came during the after-game handshake - traditionally a sign of good sportsmanship - which saw the coach trip and injure the opposing player, who fell to the ice clutching his wrist.

"We were called to Thunderbird Arena," said University of B.C. RCMP Sgt. Paulena Gidda. "A coach with the UBC team allegedly tripped a 13-yearold from the opposing (Richmond) team."

An ambulance was called to the scene. "Ambulance attendants put a splint on his wrist," said Gidda. "I don't know how serious the injuries were."

Investigators are seeking witnesses who may have video of the incident, as well as any surveillance videos that may have caught the incident on tape.

"We have a handshake, supposedly an intentional trip and injuries coming from the trip," said Gidda. "There may be videotapes, either taken by the people there or on surveillance cameras.

"We're still at the point of getting video footage and sorting through the witnesses."

The coach was arrested and released on his own recognizance, Gidda said, adding it's too early to say whether charges would arise from the 3 p.m. altercation.

"It will have to be the parents, since the player is only 13," said Gidda. "They would have to ask for charges, based on injuries sustained."

Officials at the arena declined to comment Monday.