Wisconsin captain Brad Winchester, who faces a felony charge of battery to a police officer, has been suspended for two games by the team.
Winchester, a 21-year-old senior forward, was arrested early Sunday for allegedly punching a police officer outside a campus-area bar.
He’ll miss the Badgers’ games against Michigan Tech this weekend.
Winchester was in Dane County Circuit Court on Monday to face the charges, which also included a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. After being released from jail on signature bond, he practiced with the team while his playing status was in doubt.
Badgers coach Mike Eaves gave Winchester his decision Thursday morning. Winchester’s suspension was for a violation of team rules.
“Brad Winchester is a fine young person and no one is as disappointed as Brad with the incident of last week,” Eaves said in a statement released by the school. “He made a poor decision last week, but over the four years of his career has shown good character. Brad will work through this situation, and our hockey team will support him throughout the process.”
Winchester’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11. The first round of the WCHA playoffs starts on Friday, March 14.
