BGSU Head Coach of hockey on leave, 3 players suspended for alleged hazing

Star-forward for hockey team, Austen Swankler, announces entry into transfer portal

September 18, 2023

BGSU Ice Hockey Head Coah Ty Eigner standing behind members of the team.

The Head Coach of BGSU Hockey, alongside three players on the team have been placed on suspension for an alleged hazing incident at an off-campus event.

Head Coach Ty Eigner, was placed on paid leave by university officials Monday, Sept. 18.

The news comes after the hockey team’s star-forward Austen Swankler, who led the team in points scored, announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal.

Swankler is also a 2022 Hobey Baker Award nominee and led the team with most points scored.

BG Falcon Media is reaching out to officials for further comment (See BGSU’s statement below) and will continue to provide updates as information is discovered.

University response to alleged hazing incident

BGSU released the following statement to the alleged hazing incident Monday, Sept. 18:

“Immediately upon receiving a report of alleged hazing, the University notified local law enforcement and initiated its own investigation. BGSU has placed three students on interim suspension from the team. Additionally, Head Coach Ty Eigner has been placed on administrative leave, pending a full review. Effective immediately, Curtis Carr has been named interim head coach and William Switaj has been appointed to serve in an interim advisory capacity.”

“Through our commitment – both on campus and across the state – the University remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate hazing. Our community continues to embrace a culture of accountability, and we continue to be grateful for those who report concerns.”

– A spokesperson with Bowling Green State University

President Rogers addresses hazing during the State of the University Address

During the State of the University Address on Sept. 20, President Rodgers shared the following statement:

“When tragedy occurred off campus with one of our students, we stepped up and led statewide efforts to eradicate hazing. We held the first-ever Ohio anti-hazing summit, creating a culture of reporting and accountability on our campus. This is a pervasive issue in higher education, and it might be easy for some in higher ed to look away. Not us. I am proud to say that we have not, and will not, shy away to investigate any allegations that threaten safety, even if it may impact a high-profile program.”