The Amherst Ramblers of the Maritimes Junior Hockey League have had enough of their spectators' foul language and other inappropriate behavior.
The city of Amherst, NS., made it known last week that if fans are caught using foul language or are taking part in other vulgar behaviour in their arena, they will be escorted out of the building, not ruling out banning fans from the rink for a period of time. The organization felt they had to go to these measures after spectators got out of hand at a November 17 game against the Bridgewater Lumberjacks.
"We all know that hockey is an exciting game and that sometimes emotions run high, but the comments made at the last game go beyond the bounds of reasonable behavior in a public place," says Amherst CAO Greg Herrett.
Amherst fans don't even have much to complain about in terms of on-ice performance. The Ramblers finished second in their division last year and are currently sitting on a 16-7-2 record.
Yorkton hockey fans don't have to hang their heads in shame like Amherst fans. Terriers GM Don Chesney is adamant that their fans' behaviour is squeaky clean in the Farrell Agencies Arena.
"Our fans are great hockey fans," says Chesney. "We've had no problems with swearing in Yorkton."
Whether other Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League club's demeanor in the stands is up to par is up for debate. The league is sticking to its story that they haven't had any major issues, though.
"We haven't had any complaints with swearing," says Bill Chow, president of the SJHL. "No teams have mentioned any problems with their fans."
