Emphasizing that on-ice attacks are unacceptable behavior, Michigan State suspended two hockey players for the remainder of the season for their actions in a game against Michigan January 24. Andrew Conboy and Corey Tropp will sit out the final 10 regular-season games and any postseason opportunities. The Central Collegiate Hockey Association, whose membership includes both schools, supported the action.

Michigan is also revamping its security policies after the father of the victim confronted Tropp in the Spartans’ locker room.

“What happened near the end of the game this weekend is not the way in which we want our hockey program represented,” Michigan State coach Rick Comley said in a statement. “We cannot condone their actions. We felt that we had to send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated.”

Conboy clothes-lined and punched Steven Kampfer. When Kampfer fell motionless to the ice, Tropp attacked him with his stick in apparent retaliation for an earlier legal hit. Tropp was ejected and Conboy was given a double-minor roughing penalty. Kampfer spent the night in a hospital with a sprained neck, but he anticipates playing against Notre Dame January 31.

Kampfer’s father was able to access the Spartans’ locker room and confront Tropp before security intervened. Mike Stevenson, Michigan executive athletics director, said security will be increased and credentials required for anyone entering the locker room.

Michigan announced new security measures on January 29, including:

•         Increased security/police presence at events

•         Credentialing process to regulate access to locker rooms

•         Ability to utilize an overhead steel door between the locker-room area and spectator walkway.

The changes will be implemented immediately. The school has also taken steps to eliminate the use of profane language and obscene gestures during hockey games. The school sent an email to all students warning them that not adhering to the standard of conduct will result in ejection without warning.

Ty Halpin, NCAA associate director for playing rules administration, predicted that the incidents would generate more discussion within the NCAA as well, both from a security standpoint and an ice hockey rules perspective.