Player who was kicked repeatedly by opponent speaks about the incident for the first time

Saturday night in Littleton, Colorado, 15-year-old Xander Keenan was the victim of a viscous assault on the ice. The assault occured while his team was killing a 5 on 3. As the two players went into the corner Xander was tripped and fell onto the players stick. Xander admits he intentionally took his time getting, to try and kill additional powerplay time.

That's when the other player, who hasn't had his name released kicked him. After being kicked the first time Xander just tried to cover up. Xander remembers being kicked twice more during the assault.

Xander's father Mickey shared his reaction with Denver 7:



Luckily Xander wasn't cut by the skate, but he stated he had a persistent headache after the incident. The offender reportedly spoke to police following the incident, explaining his actions:


Both Xander and the assailant shared there had been a fair amount of shit talking going back and forth between the two, but neither felt that was a reason to justify these actions. The assailant has been charged with assault and will have a hearing in municipal court.

The youth has so been suspended indefinitely from all hockey related activities for his actions pending a hearing that will occur in the next 30 ATS.