In an emotional post that has quickly gained attention in the Hockey Moms Facebook group, a mother using the handle Hockeymom73333 shared her frustration over what she describes as a toxic and unsafe environment surrounding her 13-year-old son’s hockey team.
According to her post, her family has already endured one painful experience of bullying and parent drama with a previous organization.
Hoping for a fresh start, they joined a new team last season and initially had a positive experience. She wrote,
“We had a great first year with this organization, despite some minor personality clashes,” “The coach handled everything and it was dead. My son was happy.” “There’s no commitment, and the parents are just atrocious,” . “The kids have been fighting in the locker room. Talking inappropriately and just not getting along. The defense leaves my son high and dry every game. He gets run over every game.”
Hockeymom73333
The situation escalated during a recent home tournament, when her son suffered an injury she believes could have been prevented. She wrote,
“My son got hurt at our home tournament yesterday, an injury that could have been prevented. No one on his team reached out to him or nothing,” “I’ve made countless attempts to talk to the coach about the issues but nothing is being done.”
Hockeymom73333
Her most significant concern now, she said, is what to do next. She added,
“I just don’t know what to say to him or do about our predicament. I’m afraid if I say I’m pulling him from the organization they won’t release him.”
Hockeymom73333
The post quickly drew sympathy and advice from other hockey parents across the country, with many expressing outrage over the lack of accountability and concern for player safety.
One anonymous commenter wrote,
“First of all, I’d just like to say that I’m extremely sorry your family and son are having to deal with this type of situation,” . “I would honestly encourage you to reach out to USA Hockey and/or Safe Sport and report the situation and behavior. USA Hockey has a Zero Tolerance Policy for Bullying, Abuse, and Harassment.”
Anonymous Participant 849
That participant went on to summarize the policy, noting that it prohibits all forms of bullying, harassment, and abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and applies to all players, coaches, parents, and officials.
The commenter explained,
“Violators can face disciplinary actions ranging from suspensions to a permanent ban, with severe misconduct possibly leading to referral to law enforcement,”
Anonymous Participant 849
While Hockeyman7333 acknowledged awareness of the SafeSport process, she expressed hesitation: “I’m aware, but I wasn’t trying to make things worse.”
Other commenters were less patient with the organization’s leadership. Erin Ruiz wrote,
Sounds like team manager needs to monitor that locker room and the coach needs to bag skate the whole team
Erin Ruiz
But another parent pointed out that such practices are now restricted. In response, Anonymous participant 849 wrote,
“Too bad USA Hockey has put the kibosh on coaches bag skating the entire team,” “We can thank today’s society with the gentle parenting and gentle coaching because it has completely changed how coaches can address players and operate.”
Anonymous Participant 849
As the thread continued, Hockeymom7333 revealed she is based in Pennsylvania, prompting Lindsey Christie to offer practical advice:
“Regarding release, typically once you settle any financial obligation, the President will give you the release. The coach doesn’t typically have a say.”
Lindsey Christie
Her response, a simple “ok lol,” carried the weary tone of a parent who has already fought too many battles in a system that often fails to protect young athletes.
