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College hockey player faces charges after alleged hit on ref

Colorado State college hockey player A. J. Hau is facing a charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly checking a referee into the boards after a game during the American College Hockey Association’s Division II tournament. The bump was said to have happened during a heated moment after Colorado State lost to William Paterson 5-4 in overtime. The Associated Press has the story.

“I guess he got a running start, put his shoulder down and slammed him into the boards,” said Simsbury police Capt. Matt Catania. “The kids out there on the blogs and message boards say he ‘gave him the bump.’ In our state, that’s called disorderly conduct.”

Hau told the Rocky Mountain Collegian newspaper that he “barely bumped” the referee, who had ejected him earlier in the game.

“I made a mistake and I realize that, but it’s getting blown out of proportion,” Hau told the student newspaper.

Chris Wilk, the ACHA’s executive director, said the association is looking into the incident and would announce any sanctions against the player or program once the investigation is complete.

Hau is due in Superior Court on April 1 on the misdemeanor charge. A conviction can carry a sentence of up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $500.