OFA suspends hockey players for gesture

An impromptu prank led to school-imposed discipline for a group of Ogdensburg Free Academy hockey players Wednesday.

The incident took place following the Blue Devils’ championship game victory on Saturday at the Islanders Tournament in Clayton. As the players were skating off the ice with their awards, they were asked to pose for a picture by a parent while their coaches collected equipment and tended to an injured player on the other side of the ice.

As the photo was being taken, a group of at least 10 players flashed an obscene gesture.

OFA Assistant Superintendent of Schools David Valois said that the players involved had been disciplined on Wednesday but would not release names.

Several OFA players sat out Wednesday night’s home game against Malone but district officials would not explain why they did not play.

“We are not at liberty to discuss any individual student’s discipline,” Valois said.

Before the game OFA captain Drew Thornhill read a statement of apology on behalf of the team.