The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) championship won by the Iowa State men’s hockey team may be in jeopardy.

According to an article in Penn State’s Digital Collegian, the title is under investigation by the ACHA due to allegations that Iowa State’s national tournament roster included an ineligible player.

ACHA is investigating whether a Cyclone player had professional hockey experience before playing for ISU’s club team.

ACHA rules prohibit teams from using players who have signed professional contracts, played professionally or have received financial compensation for playing hockey.

ISU hockey coach Al Murdoch confirmed that the investigation is underway.

Although the Digital Collegian reported on June 21 that a decision on the validity of the Cyclone title was expected within days, Murdoch said he is not sure when to expect a ruling from the ACHA board of directors.

“I really haven’t heard anything,” he said. “I don’t have a good handle on that.”

Murdoch said the ACHA currently is considering appeals to whatever tentative decision has been made.

He did say the appeals were being made on the behalf of the ISU hockey team.

Until the investigation is finalized, Murdoch, who serves as vice president of the Division I league of the ACHA and sits on its board of directors, said he has been advised to keep silent.

“I’m usually one of the most talkative guys around,” he said. “But I guess until the notification comes down and all appeals have been exhausted, I have been advised not to comment.”

Reports in the Digital Collegian reveal that ACHA sources have indicated that the player in question was a senior last year.

Although the name of the specific player has not been released, the only two seniors on the Cyclone team last year were brothers Darcy and Darren Anderson.

The Andersons, both from North bay, Ontario, were the pillars of the Cyclone team last year, combining for 91 goals and 90 assists last season.

Both brothers were selected to the national all-tournament team and Darren was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

An article from the March 2 issue of the Daily said the Andersons played in the junior professional ranks before joining the ISU squad.

ACHA President Josh Brandwene could not be reached for comment.

On the ACHA Web page, there was no reference to the investigation.

If the Cyclones are found to be in violation of the rule, the sanctions imposed could vary from probation to stripping the team of the title.

The Al Murdoch Cup, the ACHA trophy named for the 30-year coach of Iowa State and original president of the league, was won by the Cyclones on March 6 at the University of Delaware in a 6-4 final game versus Penn State.

It was the first ACHA title won by Murdoch and the Cyclones, although they previously had won league and tournament crowns in the Central States College Hockey League.