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3 Andover High School Hockey Coaches Placed On Leave Amid Investigation

ANDOVER (CBS) – Three Andover High School boys' hockey coaches, including varsity head coach Chris Kuchar, have been placed on leave as their coaching methods are investigated.

Andover High School Principal Philip Conrad says he received information that "certain coaching methodologies may have been used for the hockey program which, if true, are not in the best interests of our student athletes."

Sources tell WBZ-TV the allegations stem from a loss against Pope Francis High School in Springfield last week and the long bus ride home.

Apparently, someone went directly to the state Department of Children and Families, saying the coaches denied the players water and food after the loss and on the bus ride.

Off camera, the families of at least four varsity hockey players told WBZ the allegations simply weren't true, saying many players brought food on the bus and the coaches had taken the kids to Panera Bread shortly before the game.

The coaches were immediately placed on leave pending the outcome of the DCF investigation.

"The safety and well-being of our students is our most important priority, and I am disheartened to hear of the allegations against members of our coaching staff," Principal Conrad said.

The junior varsity head coach has been named interim varsity head coach. None of the coaches on leave are school district staff members.

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