Manasquan Hockey Coach Found Not Guilty of Simple Assault in Wall Twp.

As a follow-up to an ongoing case involving former New Jersey Devil and current coach of the Manasquan-Point Pleasant Beach boy’s ice hockey team, the coach was just found not guilty of simple assault in Wall Township Municipal Court after being accused of kicking one of his players during a game earlier this year.

This case began on January 7th at the Jersey Shore Ice Arena on Wyckoff Road in Wall Township, when 46-year-old Point Pleasant Beach resident Jim Dowd was accused of kicking one of his players during an ice hockey game against Red Bank Regional High School. A citizen complaint filed days later by one of the player’s parents prompted the investigation.

Although Coach Dowd was initially suspended by the Manasquan Board of Education, he was allowed to return to his position when police chose not to file charges against him. However, the case proceeded as a result of the citizen complaint filed by the alleged victim’s parent. During the court proceedings that followed, several of coach Dowd’s other players, as well as the team’s assistant coach, testified that he did not intend to injure the alleged victim. Ultimately, Municipal Court Judge Joseph Defino agreed.

As a result of the recent “not guilty” verdict, Mr. Dowd was able to avoid the potential penalties associated with a conviction for simple assault, which include a six-month jail sentence, a fine of up to $1,000, and a charge on the defendant’s criminal record. Overall, he was able to overcome these allegations, defending his reputation and his livelihood, by way of a fair and objective criminal process.

For additional information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Hockey coach, ex-Devil found not guilty of assaulting player