Union suspends head coach Rick Bennett

by Ryan Fay

Union men's hockey head coach Rick Bennett was suspended for two games by the school on Sunday.

Bennett

The suspension stems from Bennett's behavior following Union's 2-1 loss to RPI in Saturday's non-league Mayor's Cup at the Times Union Center.

With both teams involved in several fracases on the ice, Bennett tried to go after RPI head coach Seth Appert for reasons that remain unclear. Bennett had to be restrained by a referee.

"We regret the incidents that took place upon the conclusion of last night’s men’s ice hockey game vs. RPI and wish to apologize for our actions," Union athletic director Jim McLaughlin said in a statement. "At this time, we will be suspending head men’s ice hockey coach Rick Bennett for two games, effective immediately."

Both coaches apologized after Saturday's game. Bennett reiterated his remorse on Sunday.

"On behalf of Union College and the men’s hockey team, I apologize for my actions and behavior after last night’s game against RPI," Bennett said in a statement. "The administration, supporters, and loyal fans of both programs deserve and demand better from me. I’m truly sorry for the events that took place after the game."

Assistant coach Joe Dumais will serve as acting head coach when third-ranked Union travels to St. Lawrence on Friday and Clarkson on Saturday.

It's possible that Bennett could face additional discipline from the ECAC.

Union will also be without center Eli Lichtenwald and defenseman Mat Bodie against St. Lawrence on Friday. Both received game disqualifications on Saturday, which mean an automatic one-game suspension. Lichtenwald's was for fighting while Bodie's was for facemasking.

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