OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Players for a junior hockey team in Omaha have threatened to boycott the next three games and coaches and support staff have resigned in response to management’s budget cuts, the Omaha World-Herald reported Thursday.
The Omaha Lancers play in the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in the nation and a pathway to college hockey for many of its players, who are ages 16 to 21.
The Lancers cut in half the budget for buying hockey sticks, team meals were inadequate, and a contract to use video scouting software was not renewed, former assistant coach Tate Maris told the World-Herald.
At least two assistant coaches and the team’s athletic trainer have resigned, and players have threatened not to play games scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified sources.
“We are aware of the reports about the Omaha Lancers and are actively working to resolve this matter,” the USHL said in a statement. “We have standards we take seriously in order to provide the best possible experience for all players who participate in the USHL.”
The Lancers announced they have hired Gary Graham as interim coach. Graham had been coaching the Indiana Jr. Fuel U18 team. He replaces Sean Walsh, who had been named interim coach Wednesday.
The Lancers also announced the formation of a hockey advisory board to provide advice to senior management on leadership and to counsel players, coaches and staff.
Lancers president David DeLuca did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment.
The Lancers are 8-4-2 and in fourth place in their eight-team division.
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