A Michigan State hockey player has been suspended because of his involvement in an automobile accident last weekend.
Junior center Sean Berens was given a one- game suspension by coach Ron Mason Tuesday and will sit out Friday night's CCHA semifinal game with Miami (Ohio) at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
If the Spartans advance to Saturday's championship game, Berens would be eligible to play. He is practicing with the team and will continue to do so, Mason said.
The accident occurred at shortly after midnight Sunday at the corner of Division and Linden streets, Lt. Louis Muhn of the East Lansing Police Department said.
According to Muhn, Berens, 20, was driving a car eastbound on Linden and collided with a northbound vehicle driven by a 16-year-old East Lansing resident.
Both drivers received minor injuries, as did a 16-year-old passenger in the northbound vehicle.
Muhn said alcohol was a factor in the incident, but wouldn't release further details because the investigation is still open. Muhn also said a citation was issued, but would not specify who was cited.
Berens, who is tied for the team lead in points, will be missed during Friday's game.
"It is a rather unfortunate situation because Sean is a really good kid," Mason said. "But rules have to prevail."
"Sean feels bad about this. In this situation, we discussed it and felt that it was in the best interest of the team to make this decision."