The Valley News Dispatch reported that a referee in a men’s league game at Pittsburgh Ice Center was physically attacked by a player on the ice. The referee, Mario de Leon, had just called a holding penalty when he was reportedly punched by Jeremy Gregory Gilbert. Gilbert is also alleged to have driven de Leon’s head into the ice after de Leon fell down.
Pittsburgh Ice Arena is a two-sheet arena complex in New Kensington, PA, 21 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh. The arena also contains a fitness facility.
In a subsequent article Mario de Leon said that he officiates lacrosse and wrestling in addition to hockey, and that he has no intention of hanging up his skates as a result of this experience.