Retired NHLer, who coaches a team of teen boys in Markham, allegedly attacked opposing coach at end of OMHA playoff game<\/p>\n
Published Mar 31, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 13\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 3 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Former Toronto Maple Leafs centre Mikhail Grabovski has been accused of assaulting a hockey coach following an Ontario Minor Hockey Association playoff game in Markham that police say left the victim injured.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n York Regional Police said officers were called March 14 at approximately 10:50 p.m. to Markham Village Community Centre at Markham Rd. and Hwy. 7 for reports of an assault.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Police said officers arrested a male suspect and he was charged with one count of assault. The victim was transported to hospital with minor injuries.<\/p>\n Court records show the charge was sworn March 30, with a first court appearance scheduled for June 12 in Newmarket.<\/p>\n While a police spokesperson said they were unable to provide further details days after the incident, a source told the Toronto Sun that the man facing the assault charge is 42-year-old Grabovski, who coaches the Markham Waxers AAA under-15 squad.<\/p>\n A search of York Region court records reveals an assault charge was filed against Grabovski weeks later.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Phone and email messages left with Grabovski asking if he or a legal representative had any comments in response to the charge went unanswered.<\/p>\n OMHA aware of post-game incident<\/p>\n The OMHA said in an emailed statement that the league is aware of the post-game incident.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Ontario Minor Hockey Association is aware of this situation and does not condone this type of behaviour, nor does it reflect the values of the OMHA or the sport,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play Video<\/p>\n The league also said Grabovski was suspended while a police investigation takes place.<\/p>\n \u201cAs there is an ongoing police investigation, the OMHA will have no further comment.\u201d<\/p>\n Penalty-filled blowout<\/p>\n The Waxers were contesting a playoff game at their home rink against the York Simcoe Express, won by the visitors in a penalty-filled 11-0 blowout.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n According to the official game summary<\/a>, a total of 61 minutes in penalties were called, with most occurring during the third period for boarding, roughing, and head contact. A five-minute major for head contact was assessed against a Waxers player with about six minutes left in the game.<\/p>\n Referees also handed out a 10-minute misconduct to the Waxers for \u201cdisrespectful and abusive behaviour\u201d at the end of the game.<\/p>\n As the players were skating off the ice, the source said the Waxers coach went after the Express coach heading to the dressing room and allegedly attacked him.<\/p>\n Commotion off the ice<\/p>\n Videos viewed by the Sun show both referees and linesmen about to make their way off the ice at one end of the rink. However, they all turned around and skated to an exit at the opposite end following a commotion off the ice.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cYou f\u2014ing coward,\u201d a person off camera can be heard shouting in one video as people at the rink began to yell.<\/p>\n The source said after the coaches were separated, death threats were allegedly made. Parents from both teams watched the arena\u2019s security camera footage and were troubled by the incident, the source added.<\/p>\n During the third period, the Waxers coach can be seen on video yelling at Express players following a goal. That led to both benches shouting at each other for parts of the rest of the game.<\/p>\n Expected back for next season<\/p>\n According to his biography on the Waxers team site<\/a>, Grabovski served as head coach of the under-14 and under-15 AAA squads and is expected to be back to coach the under-16 team next season.<\/p>\n \u201cAs head coach of the Waxers U16 AAA team for the 2026\/2027 season, Grabovski brings a high-tempo, development-first approach built on accountability, structure, and competitive habits,\u201d his bio reads.<\/p>\n Advertisement 6<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cHis philosophy emphasizes pace of play, hockey IQ, and individual responsibility within a team framework, preparing players for advancement within the high-performance pathway.\u201d<\/p>\n His personal website<\/a> advertises a link to Nitro Hockey Academy<\/a>, a company he founded in York Region that offers young hockey players programs and camps for skill development.<\/p>\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775046086_288_Mikhail-Grabovski-files-March19.jpg\")
Former Maple Leafs centre Mikhail Grabovski is seen attending a team practice in Toronto, Feb. 22, 2010. Photo by Michael Peake \/ Files \/Toronto SunArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.9.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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