Northeastern coach Jim Madigan has been suspended for his team’s final two regular season games because of what Hockey East called unsportsmanlike behavior directed at officials.
Madigan, whose Huskies play a home-and-home series against first-place Boston University on Friday and Saturday, are tied for sixth place, one point behind a group of three teams tied for third. The top four teams earn a first-round bye in the Hockey East playoffs, while the next four host a first-round series.
In suspending Madigan, Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna cited Madigan’s behavior toward officials after last Saturday’s loss at Maine and after Monday night’s overtime loss to Boston University in the Beanpot final.
The Northeastern bench was issued a game misconduct penalty after Monday’s game, which ended with a BU overtime goal 42 seconds after a Northeastern penalty.
“Coach Madigan’s actions are not consistent with the expectations we have for our department,” Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby said in a statement. “We hold all members of our department to a high standard, and we expect our representatives to treat others with respect and to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner both on and off the field of competition.”
Northeastern said associate head coach Jerry Keefe will lead the team during Madigan’s suspension.
Madigan is eligible to return to the bench in the Huskies’ first Hockey East playoff game.
“We are committed to operating an athletics program that is reflective of the values of the university and department we represent,” Roby said. “We look forward to having Coach Madigan back behind the bench for the start of the conference playoffs.”
