Supplementary discipline announced

AUS finishes review of X-Men, Axemen brawl

“We have learned many things over the last 10 days.” Phil Currie AUS executive director

Five players, two assistant coaches and both bench bosses have been suspended following a review by the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) of Feb. 2 brawl between the St. FX X-Men and Acadia Axemen hockey teams.

AUS men’s hockey sport chairman David MacLean handed down his decision Tuesday afternoon after completing his review.

The conference said the supplementary suspensions take effect immediately and will carry over into the 2019-20 regular season, if necessary.

“These suspensions are significant, coming at a time of year where most sanctions will be served during the playoffs,” said MacLean. “A lot of really fine young people made serious judgement mistakes. I know they will learn from it and move on to bigger and better things. I want to thank everyone for their full cooperation.”

Orwell’s Kris MacDonald, an assistant coach with the Axemen, received two games but has already served them both.

AUS executive director Phil Currie said the review included consultation with affected players, officials, former and current university coaches, athletic directors and sport administrators.

“We are satisfied with this outcome and commend the work put in by our sport chair in a short amount of time. We have learned many things over the last 10 days. We now have the ability to strengthen our policies and to grow as an organization.”