Dalhousie University in Halifax has suspended its women’s hockey team for the rest of the season for taking part in a hazing ritual at the beginning of the school year.
The university refused to divulge details, but said the hazing incident involved excessive drinking, intimidation and humiliation.
In a statement Thursday, university spokesperson Charles Crosby said team players were “put in harm’s way” during a house party in September.
The university became aware of the hazing after a first-year player’s parent complained to the coach. That sparked a three-month long internal investigation that culminated in suspensions.
All but first-year players have been suspended, which means the team will have to forfeit the season.
"We have zero tolerance when it comes to hazing and intimidation at Dal,” Crosby told CTV Atlantic. “When something like this comes to light we are going to take action."
Crosby said the university is now offering counselling and educational programs to all of its athletes.
“Our goal is to make sure nothing like this ever happens again at Dalhousie.”
With a report from CTV Atlantic and files from The Canadian Press
