Michigan State freshman forward Andrew Conboy has officially withdrawn from the university in the wake of his suspension for the remainder of the season after an incident near the end of Saturday’s game against the University of Michigan. Conboy and sophomore forward Corey Tropp doubled up on Michigan junior defenseman Steve Kampfer after the Wolverine delivered an open-ice hit to Tropp.
Michigan State coach Rick Comley disclosed Conboy’s departure at his weekly press conference today.
“I don’t think the kids are bad kids,” said Comley. “I don’t think it was premeditated. But I think they made obviously bad decisions at a critical time in the game and I think it reflected badly on the program. A young man was injured because of it. And I felt it was serious enough that it was action I had to take.”
Tropp remains enrolled at Michigan State and could be considered for reinstatement to the team after the season. “If he stays in school, I would be willing to sit down with him in the spring and discuss his status with him,” Comley said.
Comley said the same consideration would have applied to Conboy, if he had elected to remain at the university.
The 6′-3″, 195 lb. Conboy is a 2007 fourth-round draft choice of the Montreal Canadiens. It is expected that he will now pursue a professional career.
Comley said he struggled with the decision to suspend the two players, but that the seriousness of the infractions necessitated the move.
“In the end, it’s the integrity of the program and that’s what takes the paramount stage over it all,” said Comley. “You don’t want it as part of college hockey; you don’t want it as part of your program.”
