Emotions can run high in sports, even in recreational adult
leagues. That is understandable due to the competitive nature of
many athletes.
However, players must play within the rules and spirit of the
game. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges and a
significant monetary judgment against the offender, not to mention
life-changing injuries to the victim.
In the recent case of Casterton v. MacIsaac, 2020 CanLII 1088, a
men's league hockey player was ordered to pay an opposing
player damages of over $700,000 for a vicious hit.
Facts
The plaintiff and the defendant played in a non-contact
men's hockey league. Most of the players were in their late
twenties. Although the league was a "beer league", the
players were, by and large, talented, experienced, hockey
players.
