On September 28, 1991 - Omaha World Herald Sports Section printed this
article that has created a stir in the midwest.  This involves Omaha Lancers
and the United States Hockey League (USHL).
"Omaha Police Chief James Skinner ackowledged Wednesday that he had sent letter
s to the coaches of the Omaha Lancers and Sioux City Musketeers, warning that p
layers who fight during games can be prosecuted.
   "I just wanted to convey the message that somebody could be serverly injured
, and the players could face criminal charges even though it happens during a s
porting event."
   The fight in question happened late in the third period of Omaha's 8-2 Unite
d States Hockey League victory over Sioux City at Ak-Sar-Ben on Feb 2. The play
ers involved were the Lancers' Matt Oates and the Musketeers' Troy Davis.
   Both were assessed fighting and game-midconduct penalties and each was suspe
nded from his team's next two games because the fight happened in the last 10 m
inutes of the game.
   Omaha Coach Dave Morinville said he received te letter 10 days after the gam
e.
   Morinville said that was probably the only real fight one of his players has
 been involved in this season, "or at least the only one that lasted longer
than 30 seconds."
   Davis and his jersey and helmet torn off, and both players suffered minor br
uises.
   Morinville said tat wen a fight happens in a hockey game "or any other sport
ing event, that's all people seem to remember.  There are more bench-clearing b
rawls in baseball today than there are in hockey.  And basketball and football
players fight, too."
   Sioux City Coach Mike Schwartz couldn't be reached for comment.
   Chief Skinner said he believes that fighting has no place in sports.
   He has attended Lancer games this season because his daughter, Julia, 14 an
Omaha Central freshman, is a member of the dancing team, the Lancer Flames, tha
t performs during intermissions.
   "I'll probably be a seson ticket holder next season, Skinner said."