Habs Prospect Conboy Suspended, Leaves Michigan State

by Robert L on Jan 28, 2009 3:10 AM EST Comment 7 comments

According to a Michigan State Wolverines site, Montreal Canadiens prospect Andrew Conboy has left the school, after being suspending following an incident during a game with a rival Michigan Spartans team.

Conboy and a teammate were suspended for the rest of the regular season by Michigan State University on Tuesday following a violent on-ice attack. The incident occurred late in the Spartans' 5-3 loss on Sunday night in Ann Arbor.

After Wolverines defenceman Steve Kampfer hit Michigan State forward Corey Tropp into the boards, Conboy retaliated, tackling Kampfer from behind and knocking him to the ice. While Kampfer was down, Tropp hit Kampfer's neck with his stick.

Kampfer left the arena in a neck brace, and was diagnosed with a sprained neck but no concussion. He's expected to play against Notre Dame this weekend.

Tropp was ejected from the game, while Conboy received a double minor for fighting.

Tropp was confronted in the Michigan State dressing room by Kampfer's father, Bruce, before the man was restrained by security.

Conboy and Tropp will miss the last 10 games of the regular season and at least two playoff contests.

"What happened near the end of the game this weekend is not the way in which we want our hockey program represented," Michigan State coach Rick Comley said in a statement. "We cannot condone their actions. We felt that we had to send a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated."

"I don't think the kids are bad kids. I don't think it was premeditated," Comley said. "But they made bad decisions in a critical time in the game, and it reflected badly on the program.''

Kampfer — an Anaheim Ducks prospect — was involved in a separate violent incident in October when he was assaulted outside a bar, reportedly by a Michigan football player. Kampfer suffered a fractured skull and a severe neck injury.

Both players could have stayed in school this semester and had the opportunity to return to the team next season.

But Conboy - a 2007 fourth-round NHL draft choice of the Montreal Canadiens from Rosemount, Minn. - elected to move on and begin his pro career. He's expected to meet with Canadiens officials to discuss his options in the coming days.

The 6' 4", 200 pound Conboy is a native of Burnsville, MN, and is a tough, physical player who's game is likely more suited for pro hockey. Coach Comley was not surprised by Conboy's decision.

Here is a clip of the Sunday incident.

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Comments

Great pick up…

I thought Conboy’s play was a cheap shot but didn’t necessarily deserve suspension for the rest of the season, though I know that they don’t tolerate the rough stuff (especially when questionable) in the NCAA.

The other guy hitting him when down was much dumber.

Anyways, the guy looks like a big man with a short fuse. I know one NHL team that could use that type of player if he were sufficiently talented.

by dougfromhio on Jan 28, 2009 8:20 AM EST reply actions

No kidding. Can he handle Lucic….Artyuhkin?

by Robert L on Jan 28, 2009 8:29 AM EST reply actions

Artyuhkin was leveled by Komisarek about midway through the game last night and was a non-factor for the reminder… He’s nowhere close to Lucic in caliber. In fact, he probably won’t stick with the NHL very long.
Lucic on the other hand… is a real problem. Any solution is welcome!

by Habs on Jan 28, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t call it being levelled, but he was no longer a factor at a point in the game where the tempo swung Tampa’s way. After that, all Artyuhkin did was keep his nose clean and he a presence. Habs players were keeping their heads up and playing awfully timid, from what I saw. Artyuhkin might just be like Chara, who took about five seasons to develop into the player he is now.

by Robert L on Jan 28, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions

Andrew Conboy

I’m not sure about this guy, he strikes me as just another thug who really can’t play on a real ine. Those guys are a dime a dozen (like his brother). WKRP in Cincinnati should be Conboy’s next stop.. Hab fans who hate Lucic should take a look in the mirror – I’d trade for this guy in a heartbeat. Artyukhin is huge and is really starting to play a hard nosed game. If we can’t have a big centre then let’s at least have some big wingers who kick butt.

by 24 Cups on Jan 28, 2009 12:39 PM EST reply actions

Of course everyoen hates Lucic cause he’s a Bruin. I take him and Arty anytime.

The reason I posted the Conboy articles is that a while back trevot Timmins was asked about which Canadiens prospect had made the greatest leaps in play this season, and the first name he mentioned was Conboy. Who knows, but maybe he did this to get to Hamilton sooner. It’s hard to tell, but for me the punch at the Spartans player was pretty harmless considering their facial armour. I doubt the intent was to break the guy’s neck!

by Robert L on Jan 28, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

Hey Robert

Just wanted to let you know that it is the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines.

I only point it out because the image was confusing, I was reading a story assuming that Conboy was on the Wolverines while looking at a Wolverines player face down on the ice.

by Wamsley on Jan 29, 2009 9:43 AM EST reply actions