Wisconsin-Stout administration has told four players who were suspended by the school in October that they are eligible for reinstatement, subject to the approval of coach Terry Watkins.
The players were suspended in the aftermath of a September murder case in which two players connected to the Stout program face charges.
Watkins did not immediately reply to an e-mail message from USCHO seeking comment and confirmation on the players’ identities.
The school, however, did release a statement through the office of communications and external relations.
“Four UW-Stout students have been told they are eligible for reinstatement to the UW-Stout hockey team as of Dec. 15. However, this action is subject to the decision of Coach Terry Watkins in setting the hockey roster for the remainder of the 2010-11 season.
“The action was taken by UW-Stout following the advice of the UW System’s General Counsel’s office and the state Department of Justice.
“UW-Stout will have no further comment on the action because of the possibility of civil litigation involving the events of Sept. 17-18, 2010.”
Meanwhile, Jared C. Britton and Jedidiah R. McGlasson on Monday pleaded not guilty to felony charges stemming from the death of fellow Stout student Bradley Smith.
Britton was a Wisconsin-Stout player, and McGlasson was an incoming freshman scheduled to join the team this season. They were both dismissed from the team in October, at which time the school said they would not be eligible for reinstatement.