Eisenhower Boys Hockey Team Forfeits First Five Games of Season

The Utica Eisenhower boys hockey team has been forced to forfeit its first five games of the season, a significant setback for a squad that started with a perfect record of 5-0-0. The announcement was made on November 30, 2023, by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), which updated its records to reflect the forfeits, resulting in the Eagles now standing at 0-5-0 overall.

Eligibility Issues Prompt Forfeits

The MHSAA confirmed that the forfeits were due to the use of at least one ineligible player. Eisenhower officials were informed of the ruling on November 29, 2023. According to the MHSAA, the issue arose from two players who had transferred from another school in Macomb County but whose transfer paperwork was not submitted correctly. As a result, these students are currently deemed ineligible.

Connie Wakefield, the athletic director at Eisenhower, stated, “The athletes are ineligible for however long the MHSAA deems is required.” While Eisenhower has not confirmed whether it will appeal the ruling, the team’s status in the Macomb Area Conference Red Division remains unchanged, with the Eagles still considered a strong contender in the league.

Prior to the forfeits, Eisenhower had achieved impressive victories, including a 6-1 win against St. Clair Shores Lakeview and a dominating 8-0 win over Macomb L’Anse Creuse Unified. The Eagles had outscored their opponents 38-9, averaging a remarkable 7.6 goals per game while maintaining a goals-against average of just 0.56. All five forfeited games will now be recorded as 1-0 losses.

Impact on Player Statistics and Future Games

The forfeits mean that all individual player statistics from these games have been voided, impacting players who were among the state’s top scorers. As of now, the Michigan High School Hockey Hub, which tracks team statistics and standings, has not updated its records to reflect these changes.

This is not the first time Eisenhower has faced eligibility issues. During the 2023-24 season, the team had to forfeit its first ten games due to a similar situation, ultimately finishing the season with a record of 7-19-1. The Eagles rebounded last season, achieving an 18-10-0 record and winning a regional title before being eliminated in the state quarterfinals by Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

Looking ahead, Eisenhower is scheduled to play against Marysville and Macomb Dakota-Chippewa Valley United in the coming days, both crucial matches in the Macomb Area Conference Red Division. As the team navigates this challenging situation, it will look to regain momentum despite the early-season setbacks.