January 26, 2009
MSU Suspends Conboy, Tropp for Rest of Season
CHN Staff Report
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State head coach Rick Comley moved swiftly to back up his words from the weekend, suspending sophomore Corey Tropp and freshman Andrew Conboy for the remainder of the 2008-09 hockey season, including playoffs.
Tropp and Conboy were involved in an on-ice incident in last Saturday’s game at Michigan in the final minute of play. The pair each hit Michigan defenseman Steve Kampfer, causing Kampfer to be briefly hospitalized. He had a sore neck, but is otherwise OK.
Comley apologized to Michigan coach Red Berenson after the game, and said he would handle the players' discipline internally, indicating they would at least miss next weekend's games at Lake Superior State. But Comley went far beyond that, levying discipline that may have otherwise surpassed what the CCHA would have doled out.
“What happened near the end of the game this weekend is not the way in which we want our hockey program represented,” Comley said. “We cannot condone their actions. We felt that we had to send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated.
“However, one thing needs to be clear — this was an incident that was an emotional, split-second action, for which these players are being punished,” he added. “I do not want this to be portrayed that this was anything pre-meditated, or that any single player was ‘targeted.’ Their reaction, while inappropriate, was a split-second response that I know that they wish they could have back.”
The CCHA released a statement in support of Comley's actions.
“We feel that the measures taken by Michigan State are appropriate and consistent with the parameters of the sanctions that were being contemplated by the league,” CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos said in the statement.
MSU athletic director Mark Hollis added: “We feel strongly that our student-athletes should have respect for the game, respect for their opponent, and a commitment to fair play. After conversations over the last two days with Rick Comley and CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos and his staff, I fully support coach’s decision. I agree with Coach Comley that these were spontaneous, emotional actions carried out during a highly-competitive game, but their actions were completely inappropriate and reflect poorly on our program.”
Respect the GameJan 27 2009, 10:51 am
Coaches can't control every action of their players, but they can set an example of what is acceptable. This is my problem with Hakstol at UND. I can't argue with 4 straight Frozen Fours, but I can take exeption to how he handles his players. He would never have apologized the other team's coach or suspended two of his players for the rest of the season for a play like this. Prime example was the cross check on Gophers Peltier's back last season. Totally away from the play and totally an intent to injure situation. I am all for hard-hitting, tought hockey, but when you consistently condone cheap shots, you disrespect the game. I was never a Sioux hater until his tenure began.
MegJan 27 2009, 2:30 pm
I couldn't agree more. More coaches need to re-examine the quality of their players actions on the ice - not quality of their play - but their character qualities. I'm glad to see MSU taking these actions.
Mike1921Jan 27 2009, 7:16 pm
I agree with both of you. I liked Dean Blais when he was there. I cannot stand Dave Hakstol. He was a goon when he was a player and he still is as a coach. I can't argue with the 4 Frozen Fours, but not the way he coaches. I respect Michigan State for what they did. They are a class act program and so is Michigan. If a und player or players did this, you would not see them suspend any of the players that were involved.
ZkczykJan 29 2009, 10:56 am
Let's see... You have two Michigan State players, neither of whom were assessed a major (five-minute) penalty for their actions. Both were suspended by MSU for the rest of the season. Both then chose to quit attending MSU. You also have a Michigan player who missed 53-seconds at the end of last Saturday's game, and will play again this Friday. Seem a little inconsistent? Might a 2- or 4-game suspension been more appropriate? You effectively end the college careers of two players, and the other guy gets to lace up again the very next game. What's wrong with this picture?
ZkczykJan 29 2009, 11:09 am
My mistake... one MSU was assessed a major (five-minute) penalty. Still, you effectively end the college careers of two players, and the other guy gets to lace up again the very next game.
GoonJan 31 2009, 10:49 am
Yeah that Peltier that was attacking a smaller player in the same game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBgs_dVxIX4
GoonJan 31 2009, 11:14 am
Repect the game it would appear that it's just a North Dakota thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__fxJ25Cs4&eurl=http://ndgoon.blogspot.com/&feature=player_embedded
GoonFeb 1 2009, 12:00 am
Repect the game so do you want to respond to how the gophers gooned it up this weekend... Also, the Coach of the Gophers approved of Schack's bush league tactics this weekend.
frollickingstuFeb 6 2009, 8:33 am
goon, your inferiority complex is showing.
GoonFeb 8 2009, 9:08 pm
frollickingstu it has nothing to do with that. That is just stupid the fact remains that gopher's fans with silly names like respect the game lecture people about the other teams being a bunch of hacks yet their team is ranked 3rd nationally in penalty minutes. Oh yeah it's fun watching yet another melt down in Mpls.
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