Junior hockey player gets lifetime ban after punching referee

A player in a junior hockey league has received a lifetime ban after he punched a referee in the face during a game.

Paul Halloran, a player for the South Shore Kings in the U.S. Premier Hockey League, sucker-punched an official during a game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday. 

It appears as if Halloran, 20, tried to push the official during live play. He was then sent to the box and retaliated by punching the official. Two other officials escorted Halloran off the ice, while the official who fell after the punch quickly got up. 

Safe to say, I don’t think he liked what the ref said to him 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/zJUe61SMUT

— Justin (McLovin) (@tarpsoffmclovin) February 20, 2022

The commissioner of the league then announced that Halloran would receive a lifetime ban.

“The action taken today by a USPHL player is completely unacceptable in the USPHL,” league Commissioner Bob Turow said in a statement. “The USPHL has zero tolerance for any player striking any official, at any time. The player in question’s actions have led to a lifetime ban.”

Continued:
“The incident is currently being investigated by local authorities and as such the USPHL will have no further comments at this time.” pic.twitter.com/HdnBAvpzkh

— USPHL (@USPHL) February 20, 2022

Halloran has not commented about his ban. The USPHL also announced the incident was being investigated by local authorities.