The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) has launched an investigation into a youth hockey brawl that occurred during an intermission at an AHL game in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 2026. The incident involved a Pennsylvania 8U team and has been labeled as "staged" by the AAHA after it gained significant traction on social media.

The AAHA issued a statement acknowledging their awareness of the brawl, which took place during a segment called "Mites on Ice." This segment is designed to showcase young talent rather than encourage aggressive behavior. According to the AAHA, affiliate, league, and club officials are looking into the matter, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the players and team officials involved in the incident. They also clarified that the intermission game was not sanctioned by either the AAHA or USA Hockey.

The Central Penn Panthers Youth Ice Hockey Club, the team involved in the brawl, has released a statement indicating that they are conducting an internal review to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the events. The club emphasized the importance of gathering information from all relevant parties and conducting a thorough assessment of the situation before drawing any conclusions.

Footage of the fight quickly circulated online, resulting in a mix of laughter and concern from viewers. The incident has raised significant questions about the conduct and safety protocols surrounding youth hockey events, particularly those held in professional venues like the Hershey Bears' games.

In response to the brawl, the Hershey Bears have publicly condemned the actions observed during the youth scrimmage. The team stated that the behavior displayed does not reflect the values of the sport or the standards expected for young athletes on the ice. They reiterated that hockey should always be played within the rules, prioritizing the safety of all participants.

Furthermore, the Hershey Bears hinted at the possibility of halting future youth intermission games until the investigation is resolved. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing young players with opportunities to experience hockey in a professional environment while simultaneously ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere.

As this situation develops, both the AAHA and the Central Penn Panthers are taking steps to address and rectify the issues stemming from the staged fight, reinforcing the importance of maintaining integrity and safety in youth sports.