The Harvard women’s ice hockey program has been under scrutiny following a January report from the Boston Globe that alleged abusive behavior by coach Katey Stone and hazing within the program. Reporting by The Athletic in March revealed further details about Stone’s behavior and the team’s culture, including that the program held annual “Naked Skates” that were considered hazing by some players. And during a preseason event known as “Freshmen Fun Night,” some newcomers felt pressured to consume alcohol and simulate sex acts.
Stone, 56, has more wins than any other female coach in collegiate women’s hockey history and has coached at Harvard for 27 seasons. During most of those years, the hockey team held “Initiation Week,” which culminated with the “Freshmen Fun Night.” At that event, upperclassmen urged freshmen to, among other acts over the years, put condoms on bananas, fake orgasms and act out skits that referenced their sexual orientation. In some years, underaged players consumed alcohol until they passed out or vomited.
The Athletic spoke to more than 30 individuals who played for Harvard or were associated with the program from this season and going back more than 20 years for the report, and also reviewed audio recordings, videos and email…
