Anchor Bay parent demands action after son's hockey game assault by rival students

Concerns over student safety took center stage at the Anchor Bay Board Meeting on February 26, 2025, following a violent incident at a recent hockey game. Parents expressed outrage after a student was assaulted by a group of seven peers from another school, raising serious questions about security measures at school-sponsored events.

Megan Blankhorn, a parent of the victim, detailed the harrowing experience her son faced on February 19, his birthday, when he was attacked outside the arena. She criticized the lack of adult supervision and security personnel, stating, "Where is the security? Where is the help?" Her son, Evan, suffered severe injuries, including concussions and facial trauma, and has not returned to school since the incident. Blankhorn called for immediate action to ensure student safety, demanding a thorough investigation and the implementation of mandatory security at all school events.

Other parents echoed her concerns, highlighting a pattern of violence at school sporting events, particularly hockey games. Erica Schafer, another parent, noted that this was not an isolated incident, citing previous occurrences of aggression at games. She emphasized the need for protocols to ensure safety, stating, "This shouldn't happen."

The board members expressed their dismay over the incident, acknowledging the challenges of coordinating security at events held in different municipalities. Superintendent Jankowski assured parents that the district does not tolerate such behavior and is committed to finding solutions. He mentioned the need for collaboration with local law enforcement and other districts to enhance security measures.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the call for concrete changes to protect students at school events has never been more urgent. The board's commitment to addressing these safety concerns will be crucial in restoring trust among parents and ensuring a secure environment for all students.