VANCOUVER 鈥� A provincial court judge has reserved his sentencing decision in the case of a peewee hockey coach who tripped a boy after a game last year.
Judge Patrick Chen said Thursday he will pass sentence Feb. 26 on Martin Tremblay, who has pleaded guilty to assault.
鈥淚t seems like things were spinning out of control,鈥� Chen said of the aftermath of the spring- league game on June 23 at the University of British Columbia.
鈥淧arents were yelling at each other and [water] bottles were being thrown,鈥� he said.
After the game, Tremblay tripped two minor players, ages 10 and 13, on the opposing team as players passed each other shaking hands.
Crown prosecutor Gerri-Lyn Nelson asked for a sentence of 30 days鈥� house arrest and probation.
Defence counsel Bob Bellows said a suspended sentence or large fine would be appropriate.
鈥淢r. Tremblay has paid a very high price. It is not necessary to give him a jail sentence,鈥� said Bellows.
鈥淗e has lost the respect of the public. ... The video has been viewed 2.5 million times on YouTube,鈥� he said.
Tremblay, a 48-year-old father of two, refused to speak with reporters afterwards.
But he told the judge he was sorry.
The players were identified as KS and MP and are under a court-ordered publication ban to protect their identities.
Both lost their balance and fell down when Tremblay stuck his leg out as the respective teams were shaking hands.
One boy was treated for a suspected broken wrist, which later proved not to be the case.
