N.L. hockey player suspended after repeatedly punching fan who taunted him

The launch of a new Avalon East Senior Hockey League season has been marred by an off-ice altercation between some players and fans in Harbour Grace, with the town council promising severe consequences for those involved and the visiting team criticizing security measures and the availability of alcohol at the Danny Cleary Community Centre.

The Oct. 26 game between the visiting Clarenville Ford Caribous and the host HGOE CeeBee Stars turned into a penalty-filled affair in the third period, with the CeeBees running up the score against their rivals.

The tension spilled off the ice with less than 10 minutes remaining as one of the league's top players, Clarenville's Justin Pender, reacted violently to some taunting as he made his way to the dressing room after being ejected from the game.

Pender has received a three-game suspension from league officials. Pender and one of the fans involved may also be banned from entering the town-owned arena, Mayor Don Coombs confirmed on Monday.

See Clarenville senior hockey player repeatedly punching fan after ejection from game

"I was shocked," Coombs said of the security camera footage that captured the incident.

"You can't come into public buildings and and act in that manner, no matter what the reason."

The town council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to vote on a recommendation from the arena liaison committee.

"There will be consequences to the actions that were taken," Coombs said.

CBC News has obtained a copy of security camera footage, which shows four male fans making their way to the hallway entrance beneath the arena bleachers, where the dressing rooms are located.

One of the fans, John Drover of Bay Roberts, can be seen gesturing at Pender as the player enters the hallway