The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League banned Armstrong's student section from attending Monday night's game after Armstrong hockey club fans berated a female goalie from Mars during a recent game.

Video clips of the Oct. 28 game were posted on online forums, and in those videos vulgar chants clearly ring out. Those statements will not be repeated in this article, but many of them were sexual in nature and directed toward the Mars goalie.

According to officials from both districts, apologies were issued and received immediately, despite neither being affiliated with the team.

“The Armstrong Area School District administration proactively reached out to us last Friday to make us aware of the situation, and we discussed the situation again yesterday,” Mars Superintendent Mark Gross said. “They have offered a formal apology on behalf of their board, district and community while also ensuring a thorough investigation.”

Armstrong High School principal Mike Cominos said he and his fellow principal Kirk Morgan quickly confirmed the reports and are still investigating to find those responsible.

“We're taking this very personally,” Cominos said. “We're embarrassed by this whole thing.”

Cominos said in addition to apologizing to the district, he has also reached out through the district to offer the player an apology, too.

“What happened to that young goaltender from Mars was wrong,” he said.

A person involved with the Mars hockey club said the goaltender was understandably upset by the chants and comments made at the game. The person also said the girl is working through the matter and is looking forward to moving on.

PIHL made the decision to ban Armstrong students from attending Monday night's game against Butler, but thus far, that is the only game Armstrong student fans are banned from. Further bans are being considered moving forward.

That decision will be contingent on a decision made at a PIHL Executive Committee meeting, which will be held either Wednesday or Thursday, based on member availability.

According to Cominos, he would understand and support the decision to continue the ban against Armstrong students from attending the games.

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