The Mitchell Skating and Hockey Association has announced punitive action regarding an altercation last Friday between two players in the team locker room that sent one player to the hospital and landed a second one in custody facing possible charges. The action follows a three hour meeting Wednesday night.
In an e-mail to MSHA members, president Brian Nash announced one player has been suspended for the season and a second player suspended four games. Both are juveniles.
In addition, Coach Josh Engquist is suspended for 8 games with no contact with players and suspended from practices and no pay while on suspension. The no contact includes phone calls/text messaging/email/as well as face to face and any social media.
Coaches Jamie Grosdidier and Tate Sutherland are both suspended for 4 games with no contact at games though they may attend practices. These two suspensions are staggered in order to have two coaches on the bench at games.
There’s no suspension for Coach Stacy Murtha.
3 of the 4 team captains have had their “letter” removed, with the players to vote for captains at a later date
The team will forfeit its tournament appearance in Hudson, Wisconsin. Players in the locker room with cell phones are suspended for 2 games with the opportunity to self-report and reduce to 1 game suspension, plus community service to be determined at a later date by the board.
The board has also instituted an automatic 1 game suspension if a player is caught using a cell phone or recording device in the locker room at all levels.
Engquist was terminated as coaching director with Brian Nash, Lori Goldammer and Andy Jerke filling the role on an interim basis. A search for a replacement will start immediately.
Al Huls was removed as the league disciplinary chair and the board appointed Doug Dailey to fill this role for the remainder of the season.
Nash says the disciplinary committee will continue to investigate the incident, and additional punishment maybe added at a later date.
The state disciplinary committee will continue to investigate this incident as well. It’s planned a meeting for next Thursday.
Nash apologized for what happened and took full responsibility in the actions of coaches and players. He said he and the board are committed to correcting the matter.