Casey DeSmith Removed from UNH Hockey Team

Casey DeSmith is now a former member of the University of New Hampshire hockey program. The goaltender from Rochester, NH was slated to be a senior this season, but was suspended indefinitely in September following an arrest for domestic assault and battery. DeSmith was taken off the roster and has been removed from the program permanently, a university source confirmed.

DeSmith, a three-year starter for Dick Umile's Wildcats, finishes his UNH career with a 2.32 career goals against average and a .923 save percentage. DeSmith had been attending classes at UNH this semester, but with his changed status as a member of the hockey program, his future at the university or in hockey elsewhere is unclear.

His permanent departure changes very little at the moment as freshman Adam Clark had been the full-time starter since the season began in October. Recruit Danny Tirone of the Junior Bruins (USPHL) will be eligible to play once he enrolls for the second semester. NCAA rules allow for him to be eligible for the Wildcats' series against Omaha at the end of December.

UPDATE:

The university's official statement on the issue is as follows:

Casey DeSmith is not currently enrolled at the University of New Hampshire. It is inappropriate for the university to comment further on a specific student's situation as protected under state and federal privacy laws.

It appears that the reason for his permanent departure from the hockey program has more to do with a change in status at the university. He was still enrolled until recently so he has obviously been suspended or kicked out of the school.

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