Hockey East suspends Northeastern coach Jim Madigan

Northeastern head coach Jim Madigan has been suspended two games by Hockey East for arguing with and criticizing officials, according to a press release sent by the league. It is the second time in less than a year that the fourth year head coach of the Huskies has been suspended for berating officials or criticizing them to the media.

Madigan was suspended for the first game of the 2014-15 season for his outburst following the team's quarterfinal series against the University of New Hampshire.

There is precedent in the sports world for suspending or fining players and coaches for arguing officials' calls or speaking out against officials in post-game press conferences. Obviously, I'm not privy to what went on up in Orono, but Madigan was sticking up for his players when they were asked a question he didn't like.

Madigan certainly isn't a saint when it comes to showing his displeasure for calls that go against Northeastern, but two games at this critical juncture of the season seems a little excessive. Hockey is a passionate sport and asking coaches and players to totally avoid criticism of officials seems to be a little unfair, especially when media is pressing for answers.

The Hockey East stretch run, with teams clustered so close in the standings, and the high emotions of the Beanpot are enough to make any coach or player a little on edge.

Northeastern is in good hands with associate had coach Jerry Keefe running the show for this weekend's games against Boston University. The Huskies travel to face the Terriers at Agganis Arena Friday night at 7:30 before hosting the series finale at Matthews Arena on Saturday at 8 p.m. According to Jocko Connolly's article in the Boston Herald, Madigan will be permitted to participate in the team's senior night festivities on Saturday.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.