Mites on Ice brawl sparks safety reviews and policy questions

1. What unfolded during the intermission During the Jan.

10 intermission at the Hershey Bears vs. Cleveland Monsters AHL game, a “Mites on Ice” exhibition featuring players ages 8 and under devolved into a violent skirmish. Video shows children tackling, punching and slamming into one another while no adults or officials immediately stepped in, creating a chaotic scene that stunned parents and fans in the building.

2. Who the players were and why age matters These were mite-level players, typically 8 and under, skating in a short, celebratory on-ice session designed for smiles and first-game memories rather than contact.

At this developmental stage players are still learning balance, body control and basic rules; physical altercations among this age group raise immediate safety and developmental red flags for parents and coaches.

3. How the footage spread and the public reaction Cellphone video of the brawl circulated quickly on social media, fueling widespread outrage and debate among local fans, youth hockey parents and the broader hockey community.

The viral clip accelerated calls for answers and made this more than a local embarrassment; it became a public test of how clubs and leagues protect minors at promotional events.

4. Central Penn Panthers launches an internal review The youth club running the participating players, Central Penn Panthers, confirmed it is conducting an internal review into the incident.

That review is the primary accountability mechanism for the club and will shape how they communicate with parents, discipline any involved parties, and adjust supervision practices for future outings.

5. Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association labels it a "staged fight" The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association weighed in and described the episode as a "staged fight," and pledged disciplinary action.

That language signals the association is treating this as more than a messy skirmish — it’s raising questions about intent, supervision and the culture that allowed the behavior to be mimicked or encouraged.

6. Hershey Bears promise added safeguards The Hershey Bears released a statement calling the conduct unacceptable and promising additional safeguards for future youth events held at AHL games.

While specifics haven’t been published yet, the team’s response acknowledges venue responsibility when hosting on-ice youth activations during professional games.

7. This follows a similar mite-level incident in December Reporting notes this incident follows a separate mite-level scuffle captured on video in December, suggesting this is not an isolated lapse but part of a pattern that demands attention.

Repeated incidents increase urgency for more formalized protections and clearer expectations for youth event conduct at rinks.

9. What parents and teams can do right now Parents should ask direct questions before signing up: who will supervise, what training do marshals have, and what is the response plan if play turns dangerous.

Talk with your child about safe play and reporting behavior, and consider whether your club’s discipline record and event protocols align with your expectations before participating in high-visibility exhibitions.

10. Bigger picture: culture, policy and community trust This episode strikes at the heart of youth hockey culture — balancing competitive spirit with safety and fun.

AHL clubs that host youth activations, youth programs, and governing associations need clear, consistent policies and transparent follow-up to rebuild trust. Expect community pressure for written standards, mandatory supervision rules for in-arena activations, and clearer lines of accountability between clubs and venues.