Rec Sports

It’s a sacred sports tradition. N.J. coaches want it gone after shocking violence.

Published

2 months ago

November 2, 2025

The Linden boys basketball players formed a handshake line after the hotly contested game, same as they had hundreds of times in the past.

In an instant, a sacred sports tradition exploded into shocking violence.

As the Plainfield and Linden high players prepared to shake hands, Linden junior Shakim Bibby was sucker punched in the face by an unknown assailant. The blow knocked Bibby unconscious and sent him crashing to the ground, where he was kicked, stomped and left with a concussion and broken bone in his face.

The shocking melee from 2018 made national news and resulted in a lawsuit by Bibby that was eventually dismissed after a years-long battle in the Union County courts.

But it was after that disturbing incident that legendary former Linden coach Phil Colicchio came to a controversial conclusion that more coaches are calling for as violence continues escalating on ball fields and courts across New Jersey:

He wanted to put an end to the post-game handshake line.

“There’s no reason they need to shake hands,” said Colicchio, now the coach at Elizabeth High. “Teams are uptight, teams are emotional — that’s when things are going to be said. Pushes come to shoves, shoves become punches and then it’s all-out fights.”

Colicchio’s opinion may rankle sportsmanship purists and traditionalists who believe the post-game handshake line is a baseline for youth and high school sports. But the idea of nixing the tradition is gaining traction as outbursts of violence continue to occur in the handshake line, when tense, high-strung players come together moments after play ends.

Just last month, a wild brawl erupted between St. Benedict’s Prep and St. Peter’s Prep, two of the state’s top high school soccer powerhouses, after punches and shoves were exchanged in the post-game handshake line. As the fracas unfolded, one of New Jersey’s top-ranked players charged after a photographer who was taking pictures of the melee and grabbed his throat, leading to a two-game suspension.

In St. Louis last month, football players from a Missouri high school were reportedly pepper sprayed by police after a fight broke out during the handshake line.

And even in the NFL, a pair of melees ignited at the conclusion of games this season. Following an Oct. 12 loss to Kansas City, Detroit safety Brian Branch refused to shake the hand of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and slapped wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster. Last Sunday, Buffalo’s Dion Dawkins and Jacksonville’s A’Shawn Robinson nearly came to blows after jawing during handshakes.

The recent incidents have prompted some in high school sports circles to seriously question whether post-game handshake lines should continue. Those proponents include St. Peter’s Prep athletic director Rich Hansen, a former legendary football coach who witnessed the melee with St. Benedict’s.

Hansen believes players should display sportsmanship by shaking hands before games — not after.

“We’ve all been in these altercations,” Hansen said after the brawl between his school and St. Benedict’s. “I’d rather see pre-game shakes.”

It’s a tradition in youth sports for teams to show good sportsmanship, lining up and shaking hands after games. New Jersey’s governing body for high school sports, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, even mandates it as part of its annual coaches handbook.

“The NJSIAA strongly believes that the handshake at the end of every interscholastic contest is an important part of sportsmanship,” the mandate reads. “The NJSIAA’s stance is that it highlights a critical lesson for student-athletes and coaches while demonstrating respect and integrity regardless of the outcome. Walking away from the handshake due to a tough loss sends the wrong message, suggesting that poor sportsmanship is acceptable in the face of defeat.”

It’s an idyllic take, but one that Colicchio believes isn’t practical amid the chaos on playing fields throughout New Jersey.

“I say we go back to the way it was during Covid, when nobody was allowed to shake hands after games,” Colicchio said. “Fighting was non-existent after the game.”

Handshake line — After loosing 7-3 Mid-Atlantic Champion Mid-Island Little League All Star 12s players high five with Southeast Region Champion Peachtree City American Little League players Thursday August 23, 2018 at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pa. in the Little League World Series. (Staten Island Advance/Bill Lyons) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance

A timeless tradition

Anyone who has ever played Little League baseball understands that shaking hands with opposing players afterward is part of the post-game procedure. All other youth sports operate in similar fashion, coaches said.

The post-game pep talk from coaches and free hot dogs at the snack stand can wait. There’s always the matter of shaking hands or fist-bumping opponents while repeating, “Good game,” a dozen or so times.

“For me, I played in some of the hardest-fought college football games back at Rutgers and always made it a point to shake hands with the opposing team, even though it was never a requirement,” said former Scarlet Knights linebacker Kevin Malast, who now coaches his son’s Pop Warner football team in Toms River. “I get a little emotional seeing the kids on my team shaking hands with their opponents, especially after tough losses.”

According to Little League International, no mandate exists requiring teams shake hands following games. But reports indicate the practice started after Little League World Series games in the late 1940s.

These days, none of the four major professional sports conclude with formal handshake lines. Typically, a final play happens and some athletes embrace while others head to the locker room. In the NBA, some players simply wave to each other as they leave the court.

The closest to an official handshake line in the professional ranks happens in the NHL. Opposing players typically form lines, skate ahead and shake hands after hotly contested playoff matchups.

“For me, the thing that comes to mind is just respect,” Devils captain Nico Hischier told NJ Advance Media. “It’s kind of a war out there, especially playoff hockey, and you might even still be pissed at your opponents but if you can put all that aside and respect the game and respect your opponent it shows character in yourself.”

Brenden Dillon echoed that sentiment inside the Devils locker room following a practice earlier this month. The 15^th-year defenseman remembered playing for the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference finals in 2016, when he fought Carl Gunnarsson late in a Game 4 loss. His team rallied to win the series and afterward he shook hands with the St. Louis Blues’ defenseman — just days after they traded punches.

“I personally have fought some of my best friends in the game,” Dillon said. “I like to play the game hard. I like to play the game on the edge. But once it’s over, you can be a good person and represent yourself and your team with good sportsmanship.”

There’s no hard and fast rule in the college ranks mandating players shake hands after games. Like the NFL, college football games routinely end with head coaches shaking hands while some players pay respect to opponents before heading to the locker room.

“It’s a cultural thing that’s bigger than just that single incident of shaking hands after a game,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “To me, you pay your respect to your opponent and then you get inside. You don’t need to gloat if you win and you don’t need to put on a show that you’re so sad. Let’s do the things we’re supposed to do and let’s get into the locker room.”

While handshake lines typically form in front of the scorer’s table at the conclusion of most college basketball games, post-game skirmishes have erupted as a result because of player interactions in recent years.

In 2022, the handshake line at the end of Rutgers’ upset of Michigan was interrupted by a scuffle, with multiple teammates and a staffer needing to drag Michigan’s Moussa Diabate back to the visiting locker room.

In 2024, a massive brawl broke out following Texas A&M-Commerce’s win at Incarnate Word as teams started shaking hands, resulting in a “girl’’ in the crowd getting hurt and a team manager to be bloodied, according to reports.

Even coaches have failed to contain their emotions. In 2022, former Michigan coach Juwan Howard swung at Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft during a scuffle in the handshake line, and locally Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway threw Wagner coach Donald Copeland’s hand away and started jawing at him following a 2023 matchup.

The chaos caused legendary college basketball coach Rick Pitino to order his team to abstain from post-game handshakes at one point during the 2024-25 season.

“We almost had a fight during the Bryant game in the handshake line and coaches had to get in the middle,” the St. John’s coach wrote on social media. “The fighting nonsense has to stop!”

Rethinking the handshake line

In a memo last year, the National Federation of State High School Associations, the national governing body for scholastic sports, issued a statement to its thousands of member schools suggesting that security personnel be stationed “in close proximity to the handshake line.”

It’s a warning that administrators and coaches are taking seriously, according to coaches and athletic officials.

Jim DeSarno, the former long-time football coach at Westfield and current athletic director, said when he used to coach, he’d be at the front of the handshake line, paying respects to the opposing team’s coaches and players following games.

Now?

“You need to make sure that our site managers are really monitoring the end of the game because it’s so important,’’ DeSarno said. “Everyone around high school sports nowadays has a story about something happening or almost happening after games.”

And while he’s heard some coaches and athletic officials pushing for the eliminating handshake lines, DeSarno said he favors keeping it in some form.

“Sportsmanship is something worth fighting for,” he said.

St. John Vianney athletics director Brian Chapman agreed with the sentiment, but said every game is different.

“Coaches need to have some feel with what’s going on in the game, how heated or chippy the game was, especially in hotly contested rivalry games,’’ Chapman said. “I don’t think every game needs to end with a handshake line. But anyone who values sportsmanship should be able to pay respects after a game, and I hope the handshake line doesn’t go away.’’

After several post-game altercations have prompted investigations by the NJSIAA, the organization acknowledged it’s heard criticism of the handshake line. But spokesperson Mike Cherenson said it is not currently considering changes to its policy.

“Sportsmanship is central to education-based athletics,” Cherenson said. “After competition, players should look opponents in the eye, shake hands, and show respect for each other and for the game. Walking away from that lesson solves nothing.”

That means the onus on quelling disorderly behavior post-game remains on coaches and schools.

West Orange’s Darnell Grant and Wall Township’s Ed Gurrieri are just some of the state’s high school football coaches who said they discuss their handshake line operations before games with players and coaches.

“There should be a level of respect for the game and civility that we as adults should be teaching our kids,’’ Grant said. “I know things have happen that shouldn’t, but abolishing the handshake line would seemingly be a temporary ease. We need to work a little harder, every coach, AD, mom and dad, to instill in our kids to have the right perspective for the game.’’

As commissioner of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association, East Orange’s John Jacob said his organization’s policy is to mirror the NJSIAA’s in ensuring the handshake line remains part of the post-game festivities.

Even as incidents and fights continue to pile up.

“I understand there have been instances where coaches feel it’s not in their best interests to have their teams interact after the game,” Jacobs said. “As a coach, you want to tell your players to let go of those emotions, look at your competitor and shake their hand.

“I understand that’s easier said than done,” Jacobs continued. “But I think ultimately that’s what we all want.”

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Ogden School District launches free strength and conditioning program for junior high students | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

50 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

OGDEN — A new weightlifting and physical conditioning program for junior high students is underway at Ben Lomond High School.

The program, named Elevation 801, is open to area students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., at no cost to families. Bus transportation is offered on those days from Highland and Mound Fort junior highs.

BL football coach Ty Smith — in collaboration with Mitch Arquette, the district athletic supervisor, and fellow Scots coach Lyndon Johnson — has developed a business model he hopes will drive substantial change in how students approach personal health, not just their preferred sports teams. It’s open to youth, whether or not they play a school sport.

“A lot of them are getting left behind,” Smith said. “Then, what happens is, this year, whenever I got here, I’m walking around trying to get kids to come out for football two weeks into the season, and you may get some kids, but they’ve never been in a weight room, they’ve never been in a conditioning program, and a lot of them have never put on shoulder pads.”

The average U.S. family spent $1,016 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019, according to Project Play. As of Tuesday, Smith reported 31 students signed up for his program and expects that number to double by next week.

Elevation 801, which targets junior high students, is the latest in the district’s strategy to get more students involved with school sports. In May, the district announced a partnership between itself, Ogden City’s Wildcats football program and the Wasatch Front Football League to address low participation.

Smith, who suited up just 28 total players in BL’s 2025 football opener, knows the wall he’s up against, and the former Mississippi high school football coach says fixing the problem begins with structure.

“It’s not just a Ben Lomond problem, I think it’s a youth problem,” Smith said. “This isn’t a sports-specific issue… Here in Utah, you see a lot of it.”

The program, providing “after-school care and athletic development designed to help students rise to their full potential,” according to the program’s official sign-up flyer, is opening its doors to any student of any background, whether they plan on competing or not.

Smith is specifically chasing those students who would otherwise go without after-school training due to the financial strain of other sports programs or their family’s financial situation.

As of last year, families can expect to spend $40 to $120 per hour on private trainers or lessons, regardless of the sport, according to Athletes Untapped.

“They’re charging kids for weekly workouts, they’re charging kids to play in this certain league,” Smith said.”It’s getting so much with the price of it, with the way the economy is right now, and a lot of people can’t pay that.

“What we’re focused on here is we’re trying to make it so everybody doesn’t have to go to the bank every month to send their kids to get the training they need.”

All sessions are currently held at the Ben Lomond High School Athletic Center in Ogden, a $28.2 million project completed in 2021, which features a 1,500-seat main gymnasium, 300-seat indoor practice facility, weightlifting equipment, auxiliary gyms, a one-sixth-mile running track, and a golf simulator.

The lasting goal of the program, Smith said, is to improve the footing of every participant, wherever they stand.

“If a kid comes here and he’s training from seventh, eighth, and ninth grade here, doing this, and he goes to another school across the interstate, or goes to Weber High or Roy, or down to Salt Lake, that’s fine,” Smith said. “We’re not doing this just to say you’re coming here to play high school sports. We’re doing this truly to get these kids an opportunity to get better, put themselves in a better situation, and give the parents a little bit of relief.”

Interested students and their families can sign up at https://forms.gle/DZZEAFxMNQ23LeiF9, or by emailing Smith at smith.ty@ogdensd.org.

Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net and X @ctbecker.

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Education important for new snowmobile riders – Brainerd Dispatch

Published

58 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

ST. MATHIAS — When it comes to riding a snowmobile, education is a must for young people as they get ready to get on a machine.

Recently, 20 snowmobile riders were certified after a Department of Natural Resources youth certification class in St. Mathias. Learning how to not only operate a snowmobile but how to operate it properly was the goal Saturday, Jan. 3, as the group of youths from across the state gathered at St. Mathias Park.

The in-person portion of the class was put on with the help of the Fort Ripley Trail Busters, St. Mathias Parks and Recreation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Kids on snowmobiles and in class. — Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

The three-hour class was a youth snowmobile certification safety class, one of several such courses offered during the winter months across the state, said Jim Guida, a Minnesota DNR conservation enforcement officer covering the Brainerd area and a member/trainer with the Fort Ripley Trail Busters.

The classroom review and riding performance course, hosted by the

Fort Ripley Trail Busters snowmobile club

and St. Mathias Park and Recreation, had the kids come out before taking the practical test at St. Mathias Park. The snowmobiles used for the testing portion were all donated for use by members of the club.

The in-person field day portion of the hybrid class comes after the students complete an

online portion

of the

DNRs snowmobile safety training

program.

“They bring the voucher saying that they’ve completed the at-home portion, and then they go through a review with a certified instructor,” Guida said. “We also introduce them to a state conservation officer and talk about the role of a conservation officer when it comes to snowmobile enforcement. Then they take the exam.”

A snowmobile safety certification is required by law for Minnesota residents born after Dec. 31, 1976. The youth course is available to those who are between the ages of 11 and 15 years old. However, the certification will not become valid until the youth is 12 years old.

Snowmobile safety reminders

One of the biggest things someone can do to have a safe ride is refrain from alcohol use, Guida said.

“We are prioritizing education and promoting understanding — speed and alcohol use contribute to over half the accidents that we see on snowmobiles,” Guida said. “It’s important to take it seriously and be aware that accidents and crashes can change lives.”

Also important is crossing a roadway at a 90 degree angle to minimize the amount of time spent on the roadway.

“Automobiles driving on the highway are going to be heavier and oftentimes traveling faster than you,” Guida said. “If there was contact made, there’s no seat belts, there’s no security blanket with airbags on a snowmobile.”

Helmets are required to be worn by all riders under 18, and are recommended for all riders. Guida asks people to slow down when there is not much snow, as ground features are often not completely covered by snow but are hidden by the light snow, such as large rocks, uneven vegetation and culverts.

“Most fatal crashes that I’ve seen and investigated happened early on in the season when the snow pack is not on the trails,” Guida said. “Maybe they were new to snowmobiling, unfamiliar with the trail, and then these objects or this condition existed, and they weren’t able to overcome it and crashed. Everyone needs to slow down.”

Crow Wing County has a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less for snowmobiles, depending on conditions. When someone enters an area or is driving adjacent to a public street with a speed limit below 50, that speed limit for that area applies to the snowmobile as well.

“Let’s say we’re going through the city of Merrifield, it’s like 30 miles an hour. If I’m in the ditch of that 30-mile-an-hour stretch, 30 miles per hour is also my speed limit,” Guida said.

DNR snowmobile safety tips

Watch the weather and check trail conditions before riding: Don’t ride in adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip and check the trails you’ll be riding prior to departure.
Don’t drink alcohol and ride: Alcohol is a factor in over 60% of all fatal accidents in Minnesota, as well as many non-deadly snowmobile accidents.
Never ride alone: Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. If one machine becomes disabled, there is another to get help.
Dress for safety and survival: Always wear a quality Department of Transportation helmet and face mask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry.
Slow down: Excessive speed is a major factor in many accidents, especially at night.
Stay to the right: Almost every trail is a “two-way” trail. So stay to the far right of the trail, especially on hills and corners. Obey all trail signs and cross roadways with extreme caution.
Stay on the trail or stay home: Trespassing is a major complaint about snowmobilers and can result in trail closure.
Riding on ice – lakes and rivers: It is safest to avoid riding on lakes and rivers. If you must ride on ice, wear a life jacket over your outer clothing.

Source: Minnesota DNR

1/5: Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Contributed / Jim Guida

2/5: Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Contributed / Jim Guida

3/5: Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Contributed / Jim Guida

4/5: Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Contributed / Jim Guida

5/5: Students attend a youth certification class in St. Mathias on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Contributed / Jim Guida

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Colorado Springs area nonprofit community fundraising events starting Jan. 11

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

JANUARY

Winter Dinner — To benefit Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild, 6 p.m. Saturday, The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave. Tickets: e.givesmart.com/events/Mhq.

100+ Women Who Care Colorado Springs — 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21, The Warehouse Restaurant, 25 W. Cimarron St.; 100wwccs.com.

Jeffrey Alan Band — 7 p.m. Jan. 23, Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Drive, donation of nonperishable food items or cash to benefit Care and Share Food Bank; stargazerstheatre.com.

Tennis Pro Am — To benefit Newborn Hope, 6-9 p.m. Jan. 30, Colorado Springs Racquet Club, 2529 N. Murray Blvd. Registration: secure.qgiv.com/event/newbornhopeproam2026.

“Neighbors” — A fundraiser to benefit Westside Cares, through Thursday, Auric Gallery, 125 E. Boulder St.; auricgallery.com.

Empty Stocking Fund — Go online to make a donation, through Jan. 24: emptystockingfundco.org.

Through Jan. 31: TreeCycle Christmas Tree Recycling — To benefit Colorado Springs Youth Sports, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Rocky Top Resources, 1755 E. Las Vegas St., $5 suggested minimum donation per tree. All decorations, stands and spikes must be removed from trees before drop-off. Tree debris, other than from Christmas trees, cannot be accepted; csyouthsports.net/treecycle.

MARCH

34th Annual Colorado Springs Wine Festival: Wines of South America — To benefit the Colorado Springs Conservatory, March 4-7, various Colorado Springs locations. Tickets: winefestivalofcoloradosprings.com.

Colorado Springs Plunge & 5K — To benefit Special Olympics Colorado, 9 a.m. March 7, Rock Ledge Ranch, 3105 Gateway Road. Registration: p2p.onecause.com/2026cosplunge.

St. Patrick’s 25th Gala Celebration — To benefit Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, 5 p.m. March 14, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road. Tickets: ccharitiescc.org/event/st-patricks-day-shamrock-shindig.

APRIL

Angel Gala — To benefit Angels of America’s Fallen, 5:30 p.m. April 18, Hotel Polaris, 898 North Gate Blvd. Tickets: aoafallen.org.

—

Email event details at least two weeks in advance to [email protected] with Community Calendar in the subject line.

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Statement issued after youth hockey brawl during intermission at Hershey Bears game

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club is investigating an incident at a Hershey Bears game.

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club issued a statement Sunday after a fight broke out between its players during a “Mites on Ice” appearance at Saturday night’s Hershey Bears game.

The organization said the incident occurred while young skaters were on the ice between periods. The club did not describe what led to the brawl.

In its statement, the club emphasized that creating a safe and positive environment for children remains its top priority.

In another statement from the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, a spokesperson said they are aware of the staged fight, and that the parties involved will face disciplinary action. The organization also mentioned that the intermission game was not sanctioned by USA Hockey or the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association.

Officials said the organization has begun an internal review and is working to collect information from everyone who was involved or witnessed the incident.

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Rec Sports

Mite hockey brawl at AHL game facing multiple investigations

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

There are multiple investigations into a brawl between young hockey players during intermission of an AHL game on Saturday.

The incident occurred during the Hershey Bears’ Mites On Ice intermission segment. Players from the Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club began fighting as Bears and Cleveland Monsters personnel were in the dressing rooms at Giant Center in Hershey, Pa.

Hershey’s mites on ice game went off the rails again. 😂

Team White’s tiny but heavily padded goalie didn’t tend the goal and instead began cleaning house in a huge brawl.

🎥: @lhollenbach515 pic.twitter.com/dBunnD8S36

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 11, 2026

The mite players, including goalies, rushed toward one another and traded punches. One player appeared to hit his teammate. No officials attempted to break up the brawl, and the crowd cheered on the youth players.

Mite hockey players are aged 8 and under.

Kids getting AFTER it on the ice in the Hershey Bears intermission game #ElectricFactory pic.twitter.com/DtPjjbK3Vl

— Allie Berube (@allieberube) January 11, 2026

Video taken by fans from inside the arena began to spread on social media Saturday night. The fight was even mentioned on “Hockey Night in Canada.”

In a statement on Sunday, the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) referred to the incident as a “staged fight.”

The AAHA said Sunday in its statement that “appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against those players and team officials involved with the staged fight” after an investigation. The AAHA statement noted that neither it nor USA Hockey sanctioned the Bears’ Mites On Ice Game on Saturday.

In addition to the AAHA’s investigation, the Central Penn youth club pledged an “internal review to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident” in a statement posted to its Facebook page. That statement said, “The safety, well-being, and positive experience of all participants — especially our young players — are of the utmost importance.”

The Central Penn Panthers are based in Lancaster, Pa., and were founded in the early 1990s, according to the club’s website. Teams feature players ages 4 to 18 from levels AA, A, and B.

On Sunday, the AHL’s Bears referred to the statement released by the Central Penn youth club at the end of their own statement.

“What occurred during last night’s youth scrimmage involving one team (split into two sides) held during an intermission of a Hershey Bears game did not reflect the values of the sport or the standards we expect when young athletes are on the ice,” the Bears’ statement said. “Hockey must always be played within the rules, with safety as the top priority.

“The Hershey Bears are proud to provide opportunities for young players to experience the game in a professional environment. At the same time, we cannot support or allow conduct that puts participants at risk.

“We are reviewing this matter and will work closely with participating teams and partners to ensure clear safeguards, supervision, and expectations are in place for any future youth activities held during our games. Our focus remains on protecting young players and upholding the integrity of the sport.”

At least one other recent Bears’ Mites On Ice game featured a fight.

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 21, 2025

The Bears are an AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, who also feature games between mite-aged players during games. One on Thursday night featured Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s son.

Alex Ovechkin wasn’t about to miss his son playing hockey during the intermission 🥹 pic.twitter.com/gymro6RleU

— NHL (@NHL) January 8, 2026

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Whitefish Winter Carnival reveals Prime, Duchess

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Whitefish Winter Carnival has crowned its first round of royalty, the Prime Minister and the Duchess of Lark.

Zak Anderson was named Prime Minister and Katie Akey was crowned Duchess of Lark during the Merry Maker on Saturday.

Zak Anderson is a longtime Whitefish community member with a career rooted in volunteer leadership and civic service. With over two decades of experience in hospitality, marketing, youth sports, and event production, Anderson consistently applies his skills to strengthen local organizations and community initiatives.

Anderson serves as board president of the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center, supporting public safety, education, and forecasting for backcountry users across northwest Montana. He is also a board member of Housing Whitefish, a nonprofit focused on workforce housing solutions, and previously served on the Whitefish Planning Board. In his role as executive director of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, Zak serves on the city of Whitefish’s Sustainable Tourism Management Plan Committee, contributing to efforts that balance tourism, livability, and environmental stewardship.

Across civic planning, tourism, and public safety, Anderson brings a collaborative, hands-on approach. He leverages his experience in operations, fundraising, and communications to strengthen organizations that serve the greater Flathead Valley.

A lifelong local with deep roots in our realm, Katie Akey is a Whitefish native who embodies the town’s spirit of service and community.

Though she left for a brief period, her return was marked by a seamless transition back into the local fabric, picking up exactly where she left off: championing the traditions and people that make Whitefish home and serving those who are lucky enough to visit.

As a manager of the Great Northern Bar & Grill, Akey oversees one of the last remaining original local establishments. Under her and her family’s dedication to the realm “The Northern” has remained a vital community hub, raising over $65,000 for the Whitefish Winter Carnival through its legendary Disco Party.
She has never been one to be part of anything in name only. This is reflected in her extensive volunteer work as a Winter Carnival board member for over 10 years and treasure for the past four. Setting up logistics for travel, participating in parades and stepping in as a character when needed.

Akey’s dedication lies not only in Carnival but also in the town’s heritage, growth and future. Through the FIT program benefiting children for the past 10 years, she’s helped sort prizes weeks in advance all the way through coming home covered in pink and blue dye from the Color Run fundraisers. Also, a member of the Big Mountain Commercial Association board, Akey has a passion for keeping the SNOW buses running and free to all the public by donating space at The Northern and helping serve at the fundraising events.
Whether she is behind the scenes at the Great Northern, Winter Carnival, or advocating for students and local mountain transit, Akey remains a driving force in preserving the unique character and future of the community of Whitefish.

The Whitefish Winter Carnival continues through Feb. 8. Up next is the coronation of King Ullr LX VII and Queen of the Snows at the O’Shaughnessy Center at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17, followed by the Disco Party the same evening. For a full list of events, visit whitefishwintercarnival.com.