Northeastern announced on Monday afternoon that head men’s hockey coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O’Connell’s suspension for recruiting violations have ended, according to USCHO. The duo missed six games while on suspension.
Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby said in a statement:
“Just as we did what we thought best when we imposed the suspensions, we are continuing to do what we think is best and appropriate by ending the suspensions…Each responsible party will receive appropriate sanctions, but the welfare of our student-athletes must always be our top priority.”
The investigation also concluded that assistant coach Sebastien Laplante, who led the team in Cronin’s absence, will also need to serve a suspension, but that it could wait until next season. All three coaches will be available for the first round of the Hockey East playoffs, which begin on Thursday against Boston University.
The Northeastern athletic department still needs to file a full report with the NCAA, and will not comment further until that report is filed and the NCAA has reviewed it.