Statement in relation to incident at CBR Brave vs Sydney Bears game on Satu

Like the rest of the AIHL community, the CBR Brave are disappointed that tensions in the stands escalated to the point they did at our game against the Sydney Bears at Macquarie Ice Arena on Saturday.

The behaviour on display on Saturday night is in no way representative of the aspirations of the league and its member clubs and is at odds with the professional standards we are all seeking to uphold.

The CBR Brave Board met yesterday to discuss the issue. As a result of that meeting, we have unanimously agreed to a series of measures that together send a strong message about our determination to effectively confront the circumstances leading to the escalation of tensions on Saturday night.

CBR Brave Chairman Peter Chamberlain has offered a formal apology to both the Sydney Bears and the AIHL for his role in the altercation. He has also decided to stand aside from his role as Chairman of the CBR Brave until further notice.

In addition, the CBR Brave will work proactively and as required with the AIHL, other clubs and our own game day staff to review game day procedures so the risks of such a situation occurring are further minimised.

Co-Directors Warren Apps and Jamie Wilson will assume more significant leadership roles effective immediately, while Chris Kubara will formally join the Board of the club. Chris joins the Board with significant experience in the governance of hockey clubs gained over many years.

Peter Chamberlain has also offered the following personal statement to the AIHL community:

“I would like to apologise to the players, staff and fans of the Sydney Bears, the AIHL and the CBR Brave for my part in the altercation at Saturday’s game.

Emotions from both sides became heightened in the final seconds of an otherwise fantastic game and I let mine get the better of me, retaliating to what I thought was inappropriate but conceding in hindsight, that in doing so, I only made matters worse. I am fully aware that interacting with the players bench during a game is unacceptable behavior.

As Chairman of the CBR BRAVE, I am responsible for setting the standards of culture and behaviour at our club and I am not proud of the role I played in this embarrassing incident.

I have called the President of the Sydney Bears to offer a formal apology as well as the Commissioner of the AIHL.

The CBR BRAVE has worked hard to establish a family-friendly environment at our club before, during and after games and functions. While the game is highly charged and I wear my heart on my sleeve, I will do everything in my power to restore the confidence of those I have let down.

I have spoken with my co-directors and it has been agreed that I will step aside as Chairman of the CBR BRAVE until further notice. 

The Directors of the CBR BRAVE will also commit to working with the AIHL and seek further advice and assistance to instigate certain measures at our home and away games to try as best as humanly possible to ensure there is never a repeat of this by anyone in any way shape or form.”