UConn Women's Hockey Team Accused of Hazing

Members of the University of Connecticut women's hockey team have been accused of hazing teammates during a "Rookie Night" event last fall.

University officials said they received a hazing complaint last spring and began investigating.

The UConn Office of Community Standards found that hazing took place during an event called "Rookie Night" early last fall, when students engaged in "excessive drinking" and participated in "potentially embarrassing activities," according to the university.

School officials described the situation as an isolated incident and said there is no indication upperclassmen tried to intimidate teammates or encourage them to drink at any other time throughout the year.

The school also said coaches were not aware of Rookie Night.

"The University takes these findings very seriously and took immediate steps to address them," UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said in a statement Thursday.

Reitz added that all students involved in the incident "will be held accountable" according to the code of conduct.

Athletics department staff have already discussed hazing with all student-athletes and will bring in an outside consultant to lead hazing training.

"Further, while there was no information to suggest coaches were aware of Rookie Night, UConn Athletics has reminded its coaching staff to emphasize to their athletes that UConn has a zero-tolerance policy regarding these behaviors; has reviewed and discussed conduct expectations with all student athletes; and will continue to address the dangers of alcohol use generally," Reitz said.

Contact Us