Alberta golf course fight involving ex-NHLer Tarnasky prompts investigation

The Red Deer Minor Hockey organization has launched an internal investigation after a video surfaced of one of its coaches getting into a fight on the golf course. The coach is none other than former National Hockey League (NHL) player Nick Ternasky.

The incident occurred recently at the Alberta Springs Golf Resort near Red Deer, Alberta. In the video, which has been circulating online, Ternasky is seen arguing with a man and then, after the man attacks him, Ternasky picks him up and throws him into a pond. After the man gets back up and continues the fight, Ternasky punches him several times, yelling “Bang” with each punch, before finally throwing him back into the water.

The fight is said to have started over a dispute over the speed of play on the golf course.

Nick Ternaski, 40, played in the NHL from 2005 to 2010 for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers, racking up nearly 300 penalty minutes. He then played several seasons in the AHL before moving into coaching.

The Red Deer Minor Hockey Organization, which recently announced his return as head coach of the U17 AAA North Stars for the 2025-2026 season, said in a statement:
“We are aware of a video circulating online that shows a Red Deer Minor Hockey coach involved. At this time, as this matter is under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement and we have initiated our own internal investigation into this incident, we will not be commenting further.”

Requests for comment have been sent to Red Deer Police and Alberta Springs Golf Course officials, but have not yet received a response.

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