A judge sentenced Thomas Junta, who beat to death another father after their sons' pick-up ice hockey game, to six to 10 years in prison today in a case that highlighted parental violence at youth sports events.
Middlesex Superior Court Judge Charles Grabau read the sentence to Junta, a 275-pound (124 kg) truck driver, in a courtroom packed with his friends and family.
A Massachusetts jury convicted Junta on January 11 of involuntary manslaughter in the July 2000 death of Michael Costin after they brawled at a suburban Boston ice rink.
The charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, though state sentencing guidelines suggest more lenient terms for first-time offenders such as Junta.
The fatal fight started after Junta confronted Costin about what he claimed was rough play during their sons' practice session. Costin, who weighed about 100 pounds (45 kg) less than Junta, was on the ice and supervising the informal game.