Following an external independent investigation, BGSU has reinstated hockey coach Ty Eigner.
Eigner had been placed administrative leave in mid-September following a report of alleged hazing at an off-campus event involving members of the team.
An update on the case released toay (10-19-23) by Colleen Rerucha, university spokesperson, reported that “the University’s review of the external, independent investigation suggests that no member of the BGSU Hockey staff had any direct or indirect knowledge of the off-campus event.”
The investigation found evidence of alleged hazing involving members of the BGSU hockey team during unsanctioned, off-campus activities:
Underage drinking and provision of alcohol to those underage by older members of the BGSU Hockey Team
Conduct with the potential to cause humiliation, physical harm or emotional harm.
According to the statement: “Based on these findings, the University has notified the involved students of all alleged hazing-related violations of the Code of Student Conduct. The student conduct process is ongoing, and no final determination of responsibility has been made.”
Three players were placed on leave at the time the alleged incident was reported.
Because of the incident, the statement continued, “BGSU has instituted additional measures for the remainder of this season. Derek van der Merwe, director of athletics, will now assume additional oversight of the hockey program, the coaching staff will now receive additional employment trainings, and the University has increased its day-to-day monitoring to ensure the program is supported.”
Austen Swankler, a top player on the team, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he reported the hazing. “I came out about everything that happened to stop future incidents from occurring. Hazing is a serious issue especially for this school.”
Swankler entered the transfer portal and has joined the Michigan Tech Huskies.
