Heather Wright/The Independent

Warwick Township council is considering putting up netting in the East Lambton Community Complex arena after a spectator at a fundraising hockey game was hit with a puck.

Ryan Chamney, manager of parks and recreation for the township, says during the warm ups for the OHL exhibition
game between the London Knights and the Erie Otters – a fundraiser for the Alvinston arena project – a puck bounced into the stands striking an adult in the jaw.

Chamney said the spectator received medical attention from paramedics at the game and then was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Monday, during a regular council meeting, Councillor Wayne Morris questioned why the stands didn’t have netting. The township refurbished the arena several years ago but netting was not part of the project.

“It’s not been discussed that I’m aware of,” said Chamney. “We do have some netting at the ends, but have never had
the netting down the sides.”

He adds, however, there are signs warning of pucks heading over the glass.

At the request of council, Chamney says he will investigate the cost of netting to be placed above the glass on the
boards.

“Certainly safety is paramount.”

Chamney added he’s not aware of any provincial regulations which require municipalities to provide netting around
the entire arena.

The Petrolia, Mooretown and Alvinston arenas have full netting around the ice surfaces.