Michigan State Sophomore Defenseman Duncan Keith Ruled Ineligible
12/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Dec. 27, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State sophomore defenseman Duncan Keith (Penticton, B.C.) has been ruled ineligible by Michigan State after signing a contract with a major junior hockey team during the holiday break. NCAA regulations stipulate that a student-athlete cannot sign a contract with a professional league. Michigan State and Keith are considering filing an appeal with the NCAA in an attempt to restore his eligibility.
"Over the Christmas holidays, Duncan decided to sign a contract to play for Kelowna in the Western Hockey League," said MSU head coach Rick Comley. "He then had a change of heart and decided to return to Michigan State. Duncan and his family are considering filing an appeal in an attempt to restore his collegiate eligibility, but until the appeal can be heard he is ineligible for athletic competition."
Keith had appeared in 15 games this season, posting 3-6-9 totals to rank as the team's sixth-leading scorer. He had three multiple-point games on the season, including a goal and an assist in a 10-4 loss to Northern Michigan (Oct. 18) and a career-high two goals, including the game winner in a 7-0 shutout of Lake Superior State (Oct. 24).
Keith, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (No. 54 overall) of the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft, had played in 56 career contests. He had six goals and 18 assists for 24 points. As a freshman in 2001-02, Keith appeared in 41 games and registered 3-12-15 totals to earn CCHA All-Rookie honorable mention honors.
Michigan State (7-7-1 overall, 4-5 CCHA) returns to the ice at the 38th-annual Great Lakes Invitational this Saturday-Sunday (Dec. 28-29). The Spartans will face Boston University on Saturday in game one, at 4:05 p.m.
