Medford hockey coaches suspended after drinking beer in locker room

MEDFORD, Mass. — Two youth hockey coaches were suspended for drinking beer in front of their players.

Medford Youth Hockey said the two men opened the alcohol in a locker room following a game. FOX25 learned that the beer was a gift from one player's parents in honor of the last game of the season and one of the coach's birthdays.

The men coached a team of kids under 14 years old. They opened the beer inside the locker room, violating the league's "zero tolerance" alcohol policy.

Some parents in Medford had mixed reactions about the incident.

"I would have been upset and would have said something to them, too,” Irene Donovan said.

Donovan, a hockey parent, said drinking in front of teens aged 11 to 13 is wrong.

In a statement, Medford Rec's board tells FOX25 they appreciate all the coaches’ hard work and dedication, but: "Unfortunately, a couple coaches broke the rules of Medford Hockey and USA Hockey and as a consequence, we suspended them for the remainder of the season."

Some parents think the situation got blown out of proportion.

“I think they're great coaches. Both of my kids have played for them and won championships,” Kevin McMann said.

"They're volunteers and they volunteer a lot of time and it was a birthday gift,” Jay Lombardo said. "Given their track record, I think everyone deserves a second chance."

Both coaches can appeal the decision and could coach next season.

Cox Media Group