The Department of Children and Family Services is investigating complaints of possible neglect on the part of Andover High School hockey coaches, the school system confirmed Thursday.
Principal Philip Conrad has been notified that DCF is looking into charges that the hockey coaches, who are not on staff, denied players food after losing an away game. An additional complaint alleges that the coaches, including the varsity head coach, forced players into a “punitive conditioning session” without a water break following a separate loss.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our most important priority and I am disheartened to hear of the allegations against members of our coaching staff,” Conrad said.
School officials declined further comment other than to say that they are fully cooperating with the DCF investigation and have launched their own internal review.
Junior Varsity hockey coach Peter Loring has been named interim varsity head coach as the investigation continues.