Dec 07, 2013 07:24 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Brian McCloskey, women's ice hockey coach at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), has been fired after officials learnt of his inappropriate physical contact with a player. The university officials said that the contact occurred on the bench during a home game against Ohio State on Nov. 30.

Marty Scarano, UNH Athletic Director for 14 years, said that the university has 'zero tolerance' for unprofessional behavior.

"The safety and well-being of our student athletes is our number one priority," Scarano said. "Coaches are role models for our students and responsible for their dignity and safety, and we have zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike behavior on any of our athletic teams," Fosters reports.

Scarano has not revealed any details of the inappropriate physical contact.

"It is a very sensitive matter. We are all going to restrict what we say to what was said [in the press release]. It is a personnel matter, which typically in these cases the university is precluded from discussing it."

Prior to taking the responsibility as the head coach of the women's program in 2002, McCloskey served as an assistant with the men's hockey team for nine seasons (1993-97 and 1999-2002).

"I have loved every aspect of my work at UNH. The people I've had the opportunity to work alongside through hockey and UNH are some of the very best I have ever known," McCloskey said in a statement to The New Hampshire.

"My players, both current and past, are an extended family. I admire their dedication and strength of character. I will greatly miss sharing the remaining journey with this year's team. They are an exceptional and loyal group. UNH will remain a special place with terrific people. I thank every one of them for the impact they've had on me and my family."

A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, McCloskey was in his 11th year as head coach and had led the Wildcats to four Hockey East titles (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009), five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (2006 and 2010), two Frozen Fours (2006, 2008) and six Hockey East regular season championships.

Jamie Wood and Stephanie Jones, the assistant coaches, will lead the team in two games against Harvard and Dartmouth, this weekend. The wildcats are 6-9-2 overall this season and have lost five games in a row.

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