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By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on Twitter / X @cookejournalism

From the criticism of Fabian Lysell to the recent offensive eruption of Georgii Merkulov, December has been a busy month for Boston Bruins prospects in the news. On Tuesday afternoon, Cole Spicer has added his name to that list. According to head coach Scott Sandelin, Spicer has been declared academically ineligible for the second half of the season at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Spicer, who has totaled five goals and four assists for nine points this season for the Bulldogs, will conclude his sophomore season with just 17 games played. Last season, Spicer suited up for 32 games, earning six points on three goals and three assists as a freshman. It is unclear whether Spicer will return to the team next season or if he will pursue another avenue of hockey in the interim.

A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Spicer is not off to a hot start in the Bruins organization. The 5’10”, 175-pound center certainly faces a roadblock in his development regarding where he looks to continue his hockey career. While the Bruins could sign him to a contract to join the Providence Bruins or the Maine Mariners, that seems highly unlikely considering the circumstances. The 19-year-old will most likely return to collegiate hockey next season, facing the possibility of transferring to another school after committing such an infraction. In the meantime, Spicer’s setback is yet another dent in Boston’s prospect production.