Division III brawl raises questions of eliminating hockey entirely
The CU Men’s Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Team’s remaining 2007 schedule has been terminated due to an altercation that occurred against in-state rival University of Northern Colorado on Feb. 3 in Greeley.
On Feb. 8, the American Collegiate Hockey Association suspended a CU player for two years. The league also suspended the team’s head coach for a total of 15 games starting next season. Both suspensions may not be served concurrently, according to the ACHA.
“They are done for the year,” said Club Sports Director Kris Schoech.
The ACHA also placed the CU Division III program on probation, Schoech said.
“It makes my decision really tough on whether we should even field the team for next year. I am in a really tight spot. If they step out of line once, they are gone for good. So do we take that probationary period and just shut the program down or do we go ahead? I don’t know right now,” he said. “We should not have that kind of brawl in club hockey at the collegiate level. It was out of control, and our players were out of control. As the director, I feel it is bad publicity for our university and our Division III hockey program.”
Coach Tyler Katsos was not available for comment.
According to the program’s Web site, the team joined the ACHA in 2002. The Buffs won a 2004-05 national championship following an undefeated regular season.
For more information, visit the ACHA Division III Commissioner’s Page.
