A Massachusetts high school hockey coach is facing charges following an altercation with a referee after a game.
The assistant Taunton High School coach was arrested Wednesday night following his team's 9-1 loss to King Philip Regional High School.
Attleboro Police Chief Kyle Heagney, who coaches another area high school team, tells The Sun Chronicle he witnessed the altercation that took place at the Foxboro Sports Center.
He says the players had already left the ice when the seemingly angry coach approached the referee and started "venting." The coach then started swinging his arms.
The coach, later identified as 46-year-old William Kenney III of Taunton, was charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in Wrentham District Court Thursday morning. Kenney will appear in court for a pre-trial conference on March 18.
The alleged victim, who had visible injuries according to police, declined to be transported to the hospital.
Taunton schools superintendent Julie Hackett released a statement Thursday morning:
"It was brought to our attention that there was an alleged altercation last night between the assistant hockey coach at Taunton High School and an official after a THS/King Philip hockey game played in Foxboro. The assistant hockey coach in question submitted a letter of resignation this morning. As we investigate the details of the incident, please know that we will continue to hold all Taunton Public School coaches and employees to the very highest of standards."
