CC president declines comment on hockey suspensions

Colorado College president Richard Celeste cited privacy laws in declining comment Thursday on the school suspensions of two hockey players.

Forward Cody Lampl was suspended from school until January 2009. Forward Derek Patrosso was suspended from school until March 12.

“When we get involved with a student conduct matter, we need to respect the privacy of everybody involved,” Celeste said.

A message left on Dean of Student Life Mike Edmonds’ voice mail was not returned.

Lampl, a junior, said he plans to appeal the ruling but declined to provide further information about the incident in question. Patrosso could not be reached for comment.

“He is welcome back to the team at the end of the sixth block,” which is March 12, coach Scott Owens said of Patrosso, meaning the senior will miss the rest of the regular season but can return for the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs.

With CC officials and students on holiday break until Jan. 7, an appeals process is unlikely to begin before that date.

CC plays Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday in the first round of the Lightning College Hockey Classic in Tampa, Fla.

The Tigers play Notre Dame or the University of Massachusetts on Sunday.

The Tigers are already without sophomore Bill Sweatt for the next two to four games while he plays for the U.S. national junior team at the International Ice Hockey Federation world junior championships in the Czech Republic.

“I just hope we can brace and get through it before we get Billy back and have 11 of the next 16 games at home,” Owens said. “I hope we can get some people back down the stretch.”

Defenseman Kris Fredheim is doubtful this weekend because of a sprained right shoulder and forward Eric Walsky is questionable after reinjuring his right wrist in practice Wednesday. X-rays were negative and both players will travel with the team.