By Ebony Walmsley ewalmsley@nhregister.

com @nhEbony12 on Twitter

MADISON Former Daniel Hand High School boys hockey coach Ryan Hardy allegedly slammed a hockey stick and uttered profane language in a game against arch-rival Guilford High School, which led to his resignation, according to documents. Hardys resignation letter, e-mails between the districts athletic director and schools superintendent and personnel file were released to the New Haven Register under the Freedom of Information Act. The controversy surrounding Hardy was revealed publically during a Board of Education meeting earlier this month. About 80 community members, including 20 players, urged the school board to allow Hardy to keep his job. Hardy said he was informed his contract wouldnt be renewed last month. The non-renewal stemmed from an incident on Jan. 18 where I was forced to defend my players against a series of egregious on-ice hits that were in direct violation of the rules of ice hockey, Hardy said in an e-mail Tuesday. He officially resigned last month. Hardy said he was upset during the January game because it was the second time in two weeks a player received a penalty for boarding, a term used to refer to hitting another player from behind. Athletic Director, Craig Semple reviewed a tape of Hardy slamming a hockey stick in the back of the team bench, and verbalizing profane language in front of student-athletes, according to documents. The tape was sent to Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Scarice. Hardy disputed the allegations in his email to the Register. I wasn't upset with the official as he did call a penalty on the play. The stick slam came once I turned towards Guilford's coach and I was yelling at him basically telling him to get his players under control and teach them the right way to play, Hardy said. Hardy said he hit the glass to get the opposing coachs attention. In a letter addressed to Hardy, Semple said the coachs actions were upsetting and a momentary loss of composure and emotions. Hardys resignation letter stated, Thank you for the opportunity to serve the student-athletes of the Madison Public School. According to documents a Guilford parent and Hardy shared some bad blood going back four years. Guilford Athletic Director Jake Jarvis was not immediately available for contact.

Hardy released a statement Tuesday. This season at Daniel Hand was an incredible experience, one that I am extremely proud of. Our team returned only two players with varsity experience and went on to win the Southern Connecticut Conference Division II Championship. Hardy said winning the championship was possible because of the equal value placed on every player. In an email addressed to Scarice, Semple said parents commending Hardy for his positive work. In March, Scarice said an email to Semple he was struggling with the issue regarding Hardy, according to documents. I am really struggling with this one. Id like to take this week and next to do my diligence and make the right decision, Scarice said in an email. Semple said the teams past season was the most rewarding and gratifying season hes seen in ten years. The parents and athletes totally support and love their coach, and I believe we have a quality individual that will flourish under our guidance and mentoring, Semple said in an e-mail. We understand that the decision is allowed to be made, but we dont understand why, said James Healey, parent of a player. Hardy thanked players, parents and administrators for their support. I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the countless members of the local hockey community, including some great people from Guilford, who expressed their support and admiration for the actions of our studentathletes, Hardy said in an e-mail. Far more importantly than our on-ice achievements, these young men represented themselves and the school in the highest light at all times, he said. I am sorry that my reaction reflected negatively on the school district, but I take solace knowing that twenty young men and their families left the rink that day knowing their coach had their backs, Hardy said in an e-mail. Hardys coaching experience includes volunteer assistant coach and consultant for Sacred Heart University, skills coach for Connecticut Jr. Bobcats, head coach and general manager for Springfield Jr. Blues in IL, assistant mens hockey coach for Williams College in MA, undergraduate assistant mens ice hockey coach for Sacred Heart University and head boys hockey coach for Yale Youth Hockey. Call Ebony Walmsley at 203-789-5734.