St. Catharines man charged after youth hockey referee attacked

A 68-year-old man has been charged after a hockey referee was attacked outside of a St. Catharines arena last month.

The altercation happened around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 in the back parking lot of Bill Burgoyne Memorial Arena.

Police say the referee was verbally abused and physically assaulted following a youth hockey game he had officiated.

Bruce Ruch, of St. Catharines, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with one count of assault.

He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.