Tensions are high as the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings - Weyburn's local junior hockey team - have made it into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Finals.
At the latest home game last week, the Weyburn Police Service were called to escort an intoxicated fan from the arena after they refused to cooperate with security staff. Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John attributes this behavior to the mounting energy.
“Nothing too out of the ordinary. They didn't cross a line, but they did need to be removed. Especially at these games, both teams, if it's the other fans coming in, or our fans, sometimes you drink a little bit too much, things get a little heated, and they won't listen to security, so we need to be brought in to assist.”
The fan was escorted from the facility and officers ensured they arrived home safe. Still, with home games coming up tonight and tomorrow, WPS member will be in attendance as attendance is expected to be high.
“It's great for the community. It's great to have large crowds, but emotions can get high, and with alcohol flowing, even without the alcohol going, some people take things a little too far sometimes. A little too passionate.”
“We will have a member at those games, one or two, depending on how busy the night is, to be there for the whole time, just in case something gets out of hand.”
In total, the Weyburn Police Service responded to 103 calls for service with 21 charges resulting. Of these charges 11 were under the Criminal Code of Canada, 19 under the Traffic Safety Act, and one under the Summary Offences Procedure Act.