GRAND FORKS, N.D. ? University of North Dakota co-acting athletic directors Betty Ralston and Steve Brekke announced today that UND head men's hockey coach Dave Hakstol has been suspended for its next two games by the University for his actions during UND's men's hockey game on Saturday at the University of Minnesota.

Ralston said the disciplinary action was determined by the University of North Dakota and was made independent of any decision or action by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

“We hold all University of North Dakota coaches and student-athletes to the highest standards of sportsmanship, conduct and ethical behavior,” Ralston said. “We expect our coaches to keep themselves and their teams in control at all times. Profane language and poor behavior on the part of our coaches and student-athletes is unacceptable.”

UND President Charles E. Kupchella said, “Obviously we were disappointed by the grossly inappropriate actions of Dave Hakstol last Saturday. There is simply no excuse for such displays, anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances.

“We all regret that our coach's action has tarnished an otherwise superb athletic tradition at UND, and on behalf of the entire UND community, I extend our sincere apology to hockey fans and UND supporters everywhere.

“Coach Hakstol has been given a two-game suspension by our athletic department and the University, a suspension which has been supported by the WCHA. Coach Hakstol is also receiving a stern letter of reprimand with a clear warning that there will be no tolerance for any such actions in the future.

The WCHA followed UND's announcement by issuing a release publicly reprimanding Hakstol and endorsing UND's actions. The WCHA said there will be no further action with regard to this incident and considers the matter closed.

The UND and WCHA releases can be read as PDF documents at the top of this page.