UND suspends hockey player in disorderly conduct case

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: July 23, 2009 - 11:05 PM

North Dakota hockey player Matt Frattin has been suspended for at least two games after being accused along with former Sioux standout Joe Finley of throwing so many objects from a residential garage that traffic had to be halted on a Grand Forks street.

Frattin, the team's third-leading goal scorer last season as a sophomore, must undergo counseling, serve a minimum two-game suspension and will have his athletic scholarship reduced for the coming school year, the Athletic Department announced Wednesday.

The Sioux's first two games next season are against the University of Manitoba and Merrimack College.

Joe Finley, 22, and forward Matt Frattin, 21, were arrested by campus police at about 3 a.m. Tuesday at Finley's home and accused of disorderly conduct.

Finley, a former high school standout at Edina, also was accused of giving police false information. Frattin, of Edmonton, also is accused of fleeing police. All allegations are misdemeanors.

Police say alcohol played a role in the incident.

A lawnmower, kitchen table, glassware and other items of their own were thrown into the street. Police said the two explained that they had made a habit of destroying each other's property.

"It's not a good thing for Matt, and it's not a good thing for our team and program," UND head coach Dave Hakstol told the Grand Forks Herald. "I know that Matt Frattin is going to work real hard to regain some of the respect that maybe has been wasted away over the last couple of days."

The Associated Press reported that Finley has declined comment, and a telephone message left for Frattin was not returned.

--Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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