Filip Sitar suspended seven games by NCAA

UConn men’s hockey freshman forward Filip Sitar has been suspended seven games by the NCAA, head coach Mike Cavanaugh told reporters on Wednesday. The series vs. Colgate counted for two contests, so he’ll be eligible to play his first game with the Huskies on Saturday, Nov. 2 against Vermont.

The suspension is a result of Sitar’s participation in the Swedish Hockey League, which is professional. He played 11 games with the Malmo Redhawks last season and didn’t record a point.

Sitar was initially committed to play at Northern Michigan but flipped to UConn after a coaching change. The Huskies knew he’d likely have to miss some games when they brought him on board.

When Sitar finally debuts, he’s expected to be a top-six center with a high IQ who can play on all special teams units. For the next five games — two against Holy Cross, one against BU then a pair against UMass — UConn will have to make do with just two reserve forwards.