Ruling: CUE Hockey-Emergency Backup Goalie Extension

2021-22 Season

February 11, 2022 

Facts:

Due to ongoing injury and illness issues with its Men’s Hockey goaltenders, CUE has been forced to use emergency back-up goaltender Colton Iwaschuk for the four (4) game maximum allowed under Article I Section 13 Rule 9.1 of the Operating Code.

Pursuant to Article I Section 13 Rule 9.2, CUE seeks a ruling allowing Mr. Iwaschuk to be used as its emergency back-up goaltender for the remainder of the current semester.

Ruling:

Article I Section 13 Rule 9 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows:

9. Special Rule for Goalkeepers

9.1. On an emergency basis, such as for back up purposes when regular goalkeepers have been lost due to injury or for academic reasons, it shall be permissible to use a goaltender who is a full-time student at the ACAC member institution in question even though the athlete may be playing concurrently with another team. Provided that the emergency back-up goaltender is listed on the game sheet fewer than 5 games, he/she will not be considered to have used a year of eligibility. A supplemental eligibility form must be completed by the institution prior to the student-athlete competing. An appeal can be made to the Commissioner to waive the 24 hour eligibility certificate submission deadline. (Amended March, 2010)

9.2. In an extraordinary circumstance, an institution can appeal to the Commissioner to use their emergency back-up goalie for the remainder of the semester past the four game limit, under the following conditions: (Added February, 2015):

• Player has to be a full time student at that institution (9 credits hours/semester). (Amended May, 2015) 
• Player is only used when the starting goalie is injured 
• Player is recorded as having used a year of eligibility

In its submission, CUE advises that its starting goaltender continues to suffer from concussion symptoms and is not expected back until next week at the earliest. In addition, CUE’s back-up goaltender remains in Covid protocol and it is uncertain whether he will return for the remainder of the semester.

CUE has confirmed that Mr. Iwaschuk is a full time CUE student, included on a supplemental eligibility form dated February 1, 2022. CUE indicates that Mr. Iwaschuk understands that he will consume eligibility as a result of this request. CUE has also confirmed its understanding that Mr. Iwaschuk may only be used if the starting goaltender is injured and unable to play.

Based on the above, CUE’s request is granted and Mr. Iwaschuk may be used as an emergency back-up goaltender for the remainder of the semester.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner