A University of Northern Colorado student-run club ice hockey team has been suspended for the next three seasons after the school investigated allegations of underage drinking and hazing, the team announced on a social media platform Tuesday afternoon.
The club disputes the allegations and is working to appeal the decision made by UNC as a result of its investigation, according to a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The suspension runs through 2026.
“We feel the punishment does not correspond to our actions,” a part of the post read. “We appreciate any support.”
A club representative was not immediately available for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Important notice regarding UNC Hockey
— UNC Hockey (@HockeyUNC)
A spokesperson at UNC emphasized the team is a club sport — a registered student organization. The hockey club is not affiliated with the athletic department because itap not an intercollegiate sport and therefore not under the purview of the athletic department.
A statement from the university Tuesday afternoon on the suspension said the allegations against the club were brought to the university’s attention last spring.
“That resulted in the university launching a months-long investigation to thoroughly and carefully gather information about the allegations,” the statement said. “The university’s actions and resolution demonstrate that the safety and welfare of the students and the campus community remain our top priority.”
Deanna Herbert, director of news and public relations at UNC, said Tuesday the university “can’t publicly disclose details of the hearing, investigation or resolution because of privacy provisions in the student code of conduct.”
In the 17-page UNC student code of conduct, hazing is defined as conduct including but not limited to “forced and prolonged physical activity, forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication or controlled substance … in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption,” and “prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink that has the purpose or effect of endangering the health and safety of, or causing of bodily injury to another person …”
The team plays its home games at the Greeley Ice Haus. The club is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association — in men’s Division 2 — and a member of the Big Mountain Hockey Conference, according to the team website, .
Practices occur from August through March, also according to the website. The game schedule has roughly 35 games per season, including multiple out-of-state road trips and at least 15 games at the Ice Haus.
The team held tryouts for the 2023-23 season in late August, according to its website. The site said a schedule for the 2023-24 season would be posted soon. Last year, the club schedule listed 29 games between late September and early February.
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