UMass-Amherst coach Don Cahoon has decided to remove junior forward Brad Nizwantowski from the hockey program following action taken today by the school. The specific action taken against Nizwantowski is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
According to a story in today’s Daily Hampshire Gazette, Nizwantowski was arraigned Monday in local district court on charges of “breaking and entering in the night to commit a felony, threatening to commit a crime, assault and battery, and three counts of armed assault in a dwelling.”
“Due to the severity of his personal issues, his time would be better spent with his family,” said Cahoon. “Until his issues are resolved, he will not be a part of the hockey program.”
The Daily Hampshire Gazette cites court records saying Nizwantowski broke into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend late Saturday night. According to the records, he then stole a kitchen knife, threatened his ex-girlfriend’s two roommates, then locked himself and the ex-girlfriend in her bedroom.
Police eventually arrived and convinced him to surrender.
“The University has taken appropriate interim action as it would with any student in a similar situation,” said Paul Vasconcellos, UMass Dean of Students.
Nizwantowski, a native of Peabody, Mass., had played in 12 of the Minutemen’s 16 games this season, scoring one goal and two assists.
