Fredonia Blue Devils men’s ice hockey head coach Jeff Meredith was suspended from hockey-related activities Thursday for three months by the NCAA.

The Blue Devils ice hockey program also received two years of probation and a $1,500 fine.

Meredith “impermissibly conducted athletically related activities under the guise of a physical education class outside of the institution’s declared playing season,” according to a SUNY Fredonia release. “Specifically, the head coach encouraged men’s ice hockey student-athletes to enroll in an advanced conditioning course with a curriculum designed and taught by the head coach.”

Meredith “has taught the advanced conditioning course throughout his employment. When the class was created … it was, at that time, permissible under NCAA legislation. However, the legislation has since changed.”

SUNY Fredonia’s athletic department “notified the NCAA immediately after becoming aware of the issue, and the university handled the case promptly and appropriately,” the SUNY Fredonia release continued. The NCAA said Meredith took immediate responsibility and did not intentionally break any rules, according to the university.

In addition to the previously mentioned penalties, Meredith will be subject to a one-year show cause order.

SUNY Fredonia also self-imposed two penalties. It will delay the start of its 2022-23 men’s ice hockey season by a week. Meredith also will not be allowed to teach any courses at the university.

OBSERVER file photo

Max Della Pia is the Democratic candidate for both the special election and in November for U.S. District 23.