Out of Control: Violence in Youth Sports

Out of Control: Violence in Youth Sports

On Tuesday March 9, high school students and families exited the Chelmsford Forum following the Eastern Massachusetts’ Division 1 North hockey championship.

Those rooting St. John’s (Shrewsbury) departed satisfied that their 13th-seeded Pioneers are heading to the FleetCenter for a chance at the state title.

Heavily favored Matignon (Cambridge), however, came out on the short end of the 4-2 final.

A heated argument amongst fans escalated. Taunting ensued. Insults exchanged. When throwing words proved ineffective, the instigators tried hurling coins.

The melee that followed resulted in two St. John’s students being hospitalized.

Matthew Sullivan, 18, of Worcester, was in serious condition following four stab wounds. Patrick Lavallee, of Northboro, was struck in the face with, depending on reports, a baseball bat or hockey stick breaking the 17-year-old’s nose.

Worcester police Lt. Lawrence Sullivan, Matthew’s father, said in a public statement, “This is a parent's worst nightmare. Those boys kicked, punched and stabbed Matthew four times simply because he was a St. John's fan. They almost killed him.”

There has been a seemingly endless string of violent behavior during youth sports events for the past few years.

The most famous example was the July 5, 2000 fight at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading when Thomas Junta beat Michael Costin to death after a youth hockey practice in which the sons of both men participated.

Police have made two arrests in the Sullivan case. Joseph Tallent, 24, of Charlestown, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Tallent pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Lowell District Court March 11.

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...d Bierschied. “Parents know what is expected and what kind of behavior to avoid.”

Bigelow appreciates programs such as these.

“The greatest value of programs and organizations such as these are that they raise awareness,” said Bigelow. “Consciousness has been raised. It’s not perfect but we’re moving in the right direction.”

Bigelow also believes that while the issue has become a hotbed for discussion, it has become that much more intense following high-profile incidents such as the Junta case.

Parents meanwhile anxiously await an end to this constant threat. Many, fed up with finger pointing and sidestepping.

“I’ve heard plenty of possible ‘this or that is to blame’ talk and I’m tired of it,” said Cheryl Gentile, of Lowell, mother of a former youth hockey player. “Enough is enough. Do something to end this kind of thing before anyone else is hurt.”