Ex-NHLer Nick Tarnasky cleared by RCMP in Alberta golf course fight

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RCMP say an investigation into a fight on an Alberta golf course involving former NHL player Nick Tarnasky has concluded.

Video surfaced online this week of the incident that took place recently at Alberta Springs Golf Resort, northwest of Red Deer, Alta.

In a video circulating online, Tarnasky, who is also a current Red Deer Minor Hockey coach, 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.

Comments about the pace of play on the course appear to have sparked the confrontation, according to dialogue in the video.

Played 245 NHL games starting in 2005

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.

A man in a grey shirt and backwards hat uses gym equipment in a locker room setting.
Tarnasky is pictured in this file photo going through his physical as the Montreal Canadiens opened its full training camp in 2013. He was assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs, which is the club’s AHL affiliate, for the remainder of that season. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, a public information officer with the RCMP, 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.

“Nobody came forward to us alleging an assault or anything like that, and our investigation was concluded.”

Minor hockey investigation underway

Red Deer Minor Hockey is, however, conducting an internal investigation.

Red Deer Minor Hockey recently announced Tarnasky 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.”

A request for comment has been sent to Alberta Springs Golf Resort.

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