University of Maine President Frederick Hutchinson announced head
hockey coach Shawn Walsh has been suspended until Jan. 1, 1994,
without pay.
 
The suspension, which covers five games, comes as a result of the
university's internal investigation into why Walsh allowed freshman
defenseman Jeff Tory to play when his academic eligibity in accord-
ance with NCAA regulations was in doubt, without notifying the
administration.
 
Hutchinson said that while Walsh didn't violate NCAA regulations,
Walsh showed "a lapse of judgment," WLBZ-TV, Bangor, reported.
 
Hutchinson said there were two reasons for Walsh's suspension:
- Walsh failed to recognize and acknowledge Tory's eligibility
  problems;
- Walsh failed to notify the university's administration of
  what he knew.
 
In addition to the five-game suspension, Walsh is to have no
contact with the team. Assistant coach Grant Standbrook will
coach the team in Walsh's absence.
 
WLBZ reported that Maine will forward its findings to the NCAA,
and has offered to voluntarily forfeit the three games Tory app-
eared in.
 
Walsh, who was not present when the announcement was made, said
in a press conference afterward that he accepts the ruling. He
still believes Tory is eligible, though. Maine officials are
still considering an appeal of the NCAA's decision.
 
Ryan Robbins
Stodder Hall
University of Maine
 
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