Iron Range girls drop the gloves; cops on the case!

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MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) — The Moose Lake Police Department is investigating a fight during a high school hockey game that temporarily left a girl partially paralyzed.
Kim Ergen, 15, of Moose Lake was among those vying for a puck in front of the International Falls net in the final seconds of a Jan. 26 game.
A fight ensued, punches were allegedly thrown and Ergen lay motionless on the ice once the period expired. No penalty was called on the play.
Moose Lake coach Joe Mohelsky said Ergen was briefly paralyzed from the waist down. She was later diagnosed with a concussion at a local hospital, but was otherwise fine.
"It was very scary, possibly the scariest experience I've ever seen in a hockey situation," Mohelsky said. "I've never seen anything like this, even when I played. It was unbelievable to witness."
International Falls coach Bruce Elson said some of his players threw punches, but he said Ergen was not hit.
"It was an emotionally charged game," he said. "Someone started something, I don't know who."
Ergen was able to practice with the team Tuesday night, but on doctor's orders she won't be able to play in a game for two weeks.
Moose Lake Police Chief Dale Heaton said his department is interviewing players to see if Ergen was punched or accidentally fell and hit her head.
Investigators will pass along a recommendation to the Carlton County attorney on whether assault charges are warranted.
Elson said he's surprised police are involved.
"A criminal investigation? A criminal investigation into what?" Elson said. "Kids get injured sometimes ... but there was no intent (to injure) by my players."

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com