Anthony Borrelli

aborrelli@pressconnects.com | @PSBABorrelli

A freshman hockey player from Erie Community College is accused of attacking a referee during Sunday's final National Junior College Athletic Association championship game, played at SUNY Broome Community College.

Brandon Day, 19, of Cheektowaga, had been placed in the penalty box for an offense, according to authorities. After sitting in the box for nearly the full penalty time, SUNY Broome officials say, Day came out of the box and skated toward a 62-year-old referee and pushed him down to the ice.

Other referees jumped in and subdued Day, who plays as a defenseman, and he was immediately ejected from the game, then sent to the team's locker room, according to SUNY Broome officials.

While he was detained, Day also allegedly damaged the locker room.

The referee, a Binghamton resident, received an evaluation by a team doctor at the SUNY Broome Ice Center, according to college officials. Authorities did not identify the referee.

Broome County Sheriff's deputies charged Day with a misdemeanor count of fourth-degree criminal mischief, along with disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment.

Day was ticketed to appear March 21 in Dickinson Town Court and he was released to his father after being charged.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff's office, and additional charges are possible.

In a statement, ECC President Jack Quinn apologized for the incident on behalf of the college's trustees and the ECC community.

"The act of one player is in no way indicative of our mission as an educational institution, and it does not personify the cordiality and dedication to service instilled in our student body," Quinn said. “We regret that this instance marred an otherwise thrilling game between our student athletes and those of Dakota College of Bottineau, and we will handle this situation with all appropriate disciplinary actions.”

The incident happened near the end of Erie's game against Dakota College of Bottineau, and the game ended in 7-4 loss for Erie.

Bottineau won its 10th title, beating Erie in the championship for the second straight year. Erie won in 2015.

ECC Athletic Director Peter Jerebko also issued a statement expressing his regrets for Sunday night's incident.

"Our hockey program is one of great sportsmanship both on and off the ice, but last night’s incident was not indicative of that tradition," Jerebko said. "It was the act of a single individual who, today, is deeply remorseful, and is in the process of reaching out to both host Broome County Community College and the game’s official. We join him in this remorse, and extend it to the National Junior College Athletic Association, BCCC, champions Dakota College of Bottineau, and the game’s entire officiating crew. This behavior was completely unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated within our athletic program.”

Harrison Aide gave Bottineau a 5-4 lead with a power-play goal at 39 seconds of the third period. Charles Joly and Andrew Carriere finished the scoring.

The game marked the end of the NJCAA hockey championship, with the competition being dropped because of a lack of teams.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Hockey player viciously attacks official during game

Hockey player viciously attacks official during game