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Abbotsford hockey association denies players caused over $200,000 of damage

The Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association is denying allegations that its players caused more than $200,000 worth of damage to a Squamish hotel, according to a recently filed court document.

 Photo: GOOGLE STREETVIEWThe Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association is denying allegations that its players caused more than $200,000 worth of damage to a Squamish hotel, according to a recently filed court document. “These defendants deny that they or any of the players on the team caused or contributed to the incident and/or the rupture,” reads the association’s statement of defense, which was filed in the Vancouver courts on Feb. 20.

The Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association is denying allegations that its players caused more than $200,000 worth of damage to a Squamish hotel, according to a recently filed court document.

“These defendants deny that they or any of the players on the team caused or contributed to the incident and/or the rupture,” reads the association’s statement of defense, which was filed in the Vancouver courts on Feb. 20.

“If the incident occurred, as alleged, or at all, which is denied, these defendants say that it was not caused or contributed to by any act and/or omission on their part, but was caused or contributed to by the acts and/or omissions of the plaintiff and/or other occupants of the hotel, whose identities are unknown to the defendants.”

The defendants listed in the suit are: the Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association; James Young, who is identified as a coach or manager of the team; 20 hockey players; and 40 parents.

This legal dispute began in January when the company that operates the hotel filed a civil claim in the Vancouver courts.

Coastal Hospitality, the plaintiff in the suit, alleged that one or more hockey players staying at Mountain Retreat Hotel & Suites in February 6, 2016, either kicked or pushed over an ice machine.

Coastal alleged a waterline was ruptured, and liquid spilled into the hallway and down the elevator hoistways.

The company said in its claim that the hotel and it elevators suffered damage.

As a result, the lawsuit said the hockey association or, alternatively, Young, are obligated to compensate Coastal for alleged loss and damage.

However, the hockey association’s statement of defence says the “defendants oppose the granting of the relief sought.”

None of the claims have been proven in court.

The lawyer acting on Coastal’s behalf for the suit declined to comment.

Requests for comment directed to the lawyer for the Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association were not returned by press deadline.

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