A minor hockey game is seen in this file photo.Fernando Morales/The Globe and Mail
A minor hockey coach who tripped two young players during a post-game handshake has been sentenced to 15 days in jail.
Martin Tremblay, 49, will also have to serve 12 years' probation on an assault charge laid after the incident last summer.
He was sentenced in provincial court in Richmond on Tuesday – the first day he spent in jail.
His lawyer said Mr. Tremblay will serve out his time on weekends so he can carry on with his work as a contractor.
Last summer, a video posted online showed Mr. Tremblay tripping a 10-year-old player and a 13-year-old player after a game last June. One of the players suffered a wrist injury.
Robert Bellows said his client, who pleaded guilty, is glad the legal process is over.
"He regretted [his conduct] from the first day that it happened," said Mr. Bellows. "He's paid a high price."
Mr. Bellows said Mr. Tremblay will no longer be a Scoutmaster or coach hockey – two long-time passions. His marriage also broke up as part of the fallout from the incident.
"And he's had to endure the public stress of court proceedings," he said.
Mr. Bellows linked his client's conduct to his failure to take antidepressants after a prescription ran out and Mr. Tremblay got caught up, for three weeks, in professional commitments, building a house and his volunteer service.
"He became exhausted – physically, mentally and emotionally burned out."
He said it was the first time in nine years that his client was not on those medications.
Ian Bailey