Utica women’s coach David Clausen will be suspended for one game following post-game comments directed toward officials.
ECAC interim commissioner Steve Bamford and Utica director of athletics Jim Spartano made the decision Thursday to suspend Clausen one game for remarks made following a 3-3 tie against Hamilton College on Feb. 6.
“I thought the refereeing was atrocious, inconsistent,” Clausen was quoted as saying by the Utica Observer-Dispatch. “I think we have a very strong, physical team that skates. We took punches, slashes in front of the net … nothing was called.”
Clausen will serve his suspension on Saturday, Feb. 10, when the Pioneers host Buffalo State.
“I applaud Jim, David and Utica College for their understanding of the unfortunate remarks made towards the officials. The decision to suspend David was one made between Utica College and the ECAC,” said Bamford. “The ECAC always appreciates the evaluations of officials by coaches, however negative remarks about officials to the media will not be tolerated.”
“We support the ECAC’s one game suspension. David’s comments in the paper were unfortunate. David is a very level-headed leader on and off the ice.” said Spartano. “I have met with him, and we are both prepared to learn from this experience and move on.”
Currently in his sixth season behind the Utica bench, Clausen has compiled an 83-55-11 overall record and has led the Pioneers to playoff appearances in each of his first five seasons.
