New York Rangers forward Nick Tarnasky (43) and Chicago Blackhawks centre Cody Bass (36) fight as linesman Andy McElman looks on during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)
Alberta golf course fight involving ex-NHLer Tarnasky prompts investigation
RED DEER - Red Deer Minor Hockey says it is conducting an internal investigation after a video surfaced showing one of its coaches, former NHL player Nick Tarnasky, involved in a fight at a golf course.
New York Rangers forward Nick Tarnasky (43) and Chicago Blackhawks centre Cody Bass (36) fight as linesman Andy McElman looks on during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)
RED DEER - Red Deer Minor Hockey says it is conducting an internal investigation after a video surfaced showing one of its coaches, former NHL player Nick Tarnasky, involved in a fight at a golf course.
The incident took place recently at Alberta Springs Golf Resort, just outside Red Deer, Alta.Â
, Tarnasky is seen arguing with another man before the man rushes toward him. Tarnasky lifts the man and throws him into a pond. After the man gets back on his feet and re-engages, Tarnasky responds with a series of punches — shouting “bang†with each one — before throwing him a second time.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Comments about the pace of play appear to have sparked the confrontation, according to dialogue in the video.
Tarnasky, 40, played 245 NHL games between 2005 and 2010 with Tampa Bay, Nashville and Florida, recording nearly 300 penalty minutes. He later played several seasons in the AHL before moving into coaching.
Red Deer Minor Hockey recently announced he would return as head coach of the U17 AAA North Stars for the 2025-26 season.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media involving a coach with Red Deer Minor Hockey,†the organization said in a statement. “At this time, given that we understand the matter is being reviewed by local policing authorities and we are conducting our own internal investigation into the alleged incident, we will have no further comments.â€
The RCMP, however, says it is not investigating the incident.
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, a public information officer with the RCMP in Central Alberta, said officers in the Blackfalds detachment received a third-party report about a fight on the golf course, but the complainant had left before police arrived.
“It was essentially a report of a fight and an intoxicated individual,” Savinkoff said.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“Nobody came forward to us alleging an assault or anything like that, and our investigation was concluded.”
A request for comment has been sent to Alberta Springs Golf Resort.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.
Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the Community Guidelines. ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Star does not endorse these opinions.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation
FIRST UP
Get our free morning newsletter
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation