The defending Class B state champion Greely boys’ hockey team has forfeited two victories after self-reporting that it unintentionally allowed a suspended player to return to the ice a game early.

During a 13-0 home victory over York on Jan. 10, a Rangers player was ejected for fighting. In past years, an ejected player was required by Maine Principals’ Association rules to sit out the next game, but this winter, the MPA instituted a two-game suspension, something Greely was unaware of.

The player did sit out a 6-1 win at Gardiner Jan. 12, but returned to play in a 4-1 home victory over St. Dom’s Jan. 19 and a 5-2 home win over Yarmouth Jan. 21.

The following day, Greely coach Barry Mothes learned through a makeup MPA Rules Clinic that the player should have missed two games. Greely self-reported to the MPA, which ruled that the Rangers had to forfeit the St. Dom’s and Yarmouth victories.

Greely, which won at Biddeford, 6-3, Saturday, had its record changed from 9-2 to 7-4 and as a result, is now second to Camden Hills in the Western Class B Heal Points standings.

“It was an unintentional mistake on our part and obviously a very frustrating one,” said Mothes. “We reported our error immediately once we were aware of the new rule change and were informed of the MPA’s decision two days later. It was tough news to have to explain to the players, but we are moving on and they responded very well with a strong effort at Biddeford Saturday night. We still have a lot of big games ahead of us in the rest of the regular season and we’re looking forward to them.”

MPA assistant executive director Mike Burnham said that Greely did everything by the letter.

“(Greely) self-reported and followed the proper channels,” Burnham said. 

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.