Howell hockey ref: Attack is another example of crazy parent behavior

One day after allegedly being attacked by parents following a Manalapan-Howell high school ice hockey game, referee Dave Brown insisted he'll be filing charges against whoever is responsible.

But he's not surprised by the alleged outlandish behavior.

"People get crazy, and they live through their kids," Brown told New Jersey 101.5. "It's a shame."

According to Brown, he and his colleague were verbally and physically attacked by two parents who entered the referees' locker room following a 1-1 tie between Manalapan High School and Howell High School at Howell Ice World.

Both referees were treated for multiple injuries at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and were later released.

"At the end of the day, we're playing here for 45 minutes of a high school hockey game, and everyone should go home without being injured," Brown said.

Brown said he believes the incident occurred because a Howell player and his mother were ejected during the game.

Late Monday, after obtaining a police report of the incident, Brown said he was intending to file charges. New Jersey 101.5 has not yet obtained copies of the police report, and the Howell Township Police Department has not yet returned several calls seeking comment.

Both schools are part of the Freehold Regional High School District, which referred all questions to the local police department.

Brown and his partner have removed themselves from all scheduled officiating assignments through the end of the week.