The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has suspended its club hockey team for three years after an investigation into allegations of hazing and underage drinking.
The investigation was launched in the spring of 2023 after the university received reports of alcohol consumption by minors, hazing behaviors, and physical endangerment of members of the team.
The UNC hockey team is not an NCAA team, but is instead governed by the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). The ACHA has said that it will respect and support the decision of the university.
The club hockey team has confirmed the suspension on social media and said that it plans to appeal the decision. The team’s president, Nick Sheridan, said that he does not believe the punishment is fair.
“It happens. Everyone does it,” Sheridan said. “And we just caught a bad break basically.”
The suspension is a major blow to the UNC hockey team, which is a popular and successful program. The team has won several ACHA championships and has a strong alumni following.
The suspension will also have a ripple effect on other teams in the ACHA, as they will have to find new opponents to fill their schedules.
The ACHA’s communications manager, Chris Perry, said that the suspension is a “sad situation” and that he feels bad for the student players.
“These are true student athletes and they pay to play,” Perry said. “They are truly playing for the love of the game.”
The UNC hockey team will have the opportunity to appeal the suspension, but it is unclear if the appeal will be successful.
The suspension is a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from hazing and underage drinking. It is also a reminder of the importance of following the rules and regulations of the university and the ACHA.
Important notice regarding UNC Hockey pic.twitter.com/ykOvX2tpsb
— UNC Hockey (@HockeyUNC) September 12, 2023
