The Ryerson University Rams men’s hockey team returns to action Nov. 15 after serving a seven-day suspension for violating the student-athlete code of conduct on a road trip to New Jersey.
The suspension, which was handed down for “consumption of alcohol” according to the university, came at a cost of two forfeited games for the team.
“The University takes incidents of misbehaviour seriously and student-athletes and coaches are well aware of the behaviour expected of them,” the university stated in a release.
According to Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) spokesperson Michel Belanger, the schools handle all disciplinary decisions internally, sometimes with consultation from their respective leagues. In this situation, the ruling league, Ontario University Athletics (OUA), had no involvement in the decision–making of the university, according to interim executive director Brian Crawford.
“The decision to suspend the team was made by Ryerson without involvement by OUA,” Crawford said. “However, OUA was notified of the situation and decision prior to the announcement.”
Despite a lack of involvement, the OUA stood in solidarity with the university.
“OUA fully supports Ryerson’s decision to levy these sanctions as it has in the past with other institutions who have had to make these very tough decisions,” Crawford said.
According to Ryerson’s athletic code, “Alcohol may not be consumed by Rams athletes or staff for the duration of road trips (from the time of departure until the time of arrival back in Toronto).”
The athletic code states that, “Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in any accommodations booked through Ryerson Athletics.”
As part of the sanctions, head coach Graham Wise was also suspended four games. Wise would not comment on the suspension.
For the Rams players, there are lessons to be learned from the incident.
“I think the lessons are pretty clear for us as a team and we get to learn how to deal with this and learn how everyone can be better on the road,” Rams captain Andrew Buck said.
Buck, who expressed his disappointment at having to forfeit the two games, said he understands the team had to be held accountable.
“We broke the rules and we’re just looking to face the punishment,” he said.
While automatic losses to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks and Queen’s University Gaels is hard, Buck said he remains optimistic about the season.
“We’re still five [wins] and four [losses] and we’re just trying to focus on the first game back and make sure we’re still in a good spot come Christmas time.”
The team will play its first game back against the Royal Military College of Canada Paladins on its home ice at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
“It’s disappointing but it is what it is, we’re looking forward to play hockey,” Buck said.
