APHL Suspends Ridgetown Royals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Premier Hockey League Issues Statement Regarding Incident Involving Ridgetown Royals and Buffalo Tempest

The American Premier Hockey League (APHL) is issuing the following statement regarding the events that took place following last Saturday’s game between the Ridgetown Royals and the Buffalo Tempest.

At the conclusion of the contest, several players from the Ridgetown Royals engaged in a postgame altercation that escalated into a team brawl, including attacks on Buffalo Tempest players who were not willing participants. During the incident, on-ice officials were also physically confronted while attempting to restore order and separate players.

The APHL does not condone these actions in any form. Such conduct is unacceptable, contrary to the standards of this league, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We commend our officiating staff for acting professionally and courageously while working to control a dangerous and chaotic situation.

Effective immediately, the Ridgetown Royals have been placed under team suspension pending further league review and have been assessed an undisclosed fine. In addition, multiple Ridgetown players will receive significant suspensions to begin the 2026–2027 season should the club’s suspension be lifted.

Let it be clear: there is never an acceptable time to initiate a bench-clearing or team brawl, and there is absolutely no excuse for any player to assault an on-ice official.

Further compounding the matter, the Ridgetown Royals organization has failed to compensate the officiating crew for the game in question. The league has made multiple attempts to resolve this issue directly with the organization, and those efforts have gone unanswered.

The APHL understands that disciplinary actions such as suspensions or terminations can create concern among fans, players, and member organizations. However, the league must remain committed to its mission of building a sustainable, internationally respected Senior A semi-professional hockey league that provides athletes a competitive and safe environment to continue their development and pursue advancement opportunities in leagues such as the FPHL, SPHL, and beyond.

That mission requires accountability.

Member organizations are expected to uphold league standards through their ownership groups, management, coaches, players, and fan bases. When a team repeatedly fails to meet those expectations, it becomes necessary to act in the best interests of the league, its players, and the organizations committed to doing things the right way.

The APHL provides a platform for opportunity, but with that opportunity comes responsibility. Teams unwilling to maintain professional standards cannot be permitted to continue participating.

We also wish to apologize to our fans, players, sponsors, and partners who expect better from our league. The actions of a small minority continue to damage the experience for the many players and organizations who represent this league with professionalism and pride.

Player safety begins with player conduct—both on and off the ice. It is time for those who continue to undermine the game to be held fully accountable.

The APHL remains committed to protecting the integrity of the league and ensuring a safer, stronger future for everyone involved.