The decision to de-recognize the men’s and women’s ice hockey clubs at University of Buffalo has been made by the Student Association (SA) and will come into effect on May 1. The men’s hockey club was notified of the de-recognition via email from SA President Becky Paul-Odionhin.
This ruling comes after a period of administrative challenges for the hockey teams, with both the men’s and women’s teams voicing frustration over payment processing and other logistical issues. The SA imposed a fine of over $4,000 on the men’s hockey team for not requesting funds in a timely manner and for failing to pay referees before games.
The de-recognition of the men’s team is due to their failure to meet the requirement of holding at least three on-campus events during the year, as stipulated by the SA. Despite regularly practicing and playing games at the nearby Northtown Center at Amherst throughout the season, they have been dismissed from the club for non-compliance. Furthermore, the team is facing 21 separate alleged violations and is awaiting the final decision on the impact of these infractions on their club status.
Morgan von Hedemann, the head coach of the men’s hockey team, expressed uncertainty about the future and acknowledged that it is unclear whether the teams will be able to compete in the upcoming season. Should they choose to go independent, there will be additional administrative obstacles to overcome. The men’s ice hockey team is a significant participant in the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League (NECHL), an affiliate of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). They have recently clinched the NECHL title, earning them a spot in the ACHA National Tournament, and are also represented in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
The fate of both the men’s and women’s teams for the next season remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the decision to de-recognize the teams is reversible or if there are any opportunities for appeal.
Henry Daley, an assistant sports editor at The Spectrum and a contributor to platforms such as Medium and Last Word on Sports, has commented on the present situation involving the ice hockey clubs at University of Buffalo. Daley is an ardent sports enthusiast and enjoys running in his free time when he is not involved in sports writing. To get in touch with him, you can reach out to [email protected].
The decision to de-recognize the ice hockey clubs has sparked concern and uncertainty among the players and supporters of the teams. The impact of this ruling is significant, as it not only affects the current season but may also have lasting repercussions for the future of the ice hockey program at University of Buffalo.