Former University of Michigan hockey players sue, alleging years of hazing, sexual abuse

Sixteen former players from the University of Michigan men’s hockey program have brought a legal claim alleging that they experienced prolonged hazing and sexual misconduct while on the team. The suit asserts the abuse took place over an extended period when the plaintiffs were rostered members of the program. The individuals named in the case were associated with the team at various times between 1984 and 2001, according to the filing. They say the conduct they endured amounted to years of mistreatment tied to team activities and culture. By turning to the courts, the former players are seeking a formal response to the conduct they describe. The filing frames the incidents as part of a longstanding pattern rather than isolated events, spanning multiple seasons and cohorts of athletes. The lawsuit is likely to draw attention to past practices within the program and may prompt scrutiny of how allegations of misconduct were handled historically by those responsible for oversight. The case centers on accountability for alleged abuses that the plaintiffs say occurred while they were members of the university’s hockey team.