Michigan Hockey Hazing Lawsuit: 16 Ex-Players Sue

Sixteen former University of Michigan ice hockey players have filed a lawsuit alleging years of hazing and sexual abuse within the men's programme, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The claims cover the period from 1984 to 2001. The plaintiffs are not named in the filing.

According to the lawsuit, younger players were stripped naked and had their pubic hair forcibly shaved by older teammates. Some allege that razor handles were forced into their anus. Several say a blowtorch was used to burn their pubic hair. Others describe a hockey helmet tied to their genitals and filled with pucks.

The suit also alleges that young players were made to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and forced to eat live goldfish. Some plaintiffs say they vomited afterwards; others describe lasting insomnia and nightmares.

"Young men, 17 years old, just beginning their adult lives and in many cases dependent on hockey for their education at Michigan, were subjected to sexualized violence that in any other circumstances would immediately be classified as torture. This abuse was ritualistic, carefully planned and sadistic in nature," the lawsuit states.

Every incident described was carried out by older players. The lawsuit goes further, however, alleging that coaches, staff and university administrators knew of the abuse and that taking part in it was effectively a condition of playing for Michigan. Players who complained, the suit claims, were told they needed to "be a true Michigan man".