New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, stops a shot on goal by Philadelphia Flyers's Wayne Simmonds (17) during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30), of Sweden, stops a shot on goal by Philadelphia Flyers's Wayne Simmonds (17) during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Credit: Frank Franklin II

Burlington — The University of Vermont has suspended four hockey players for five games after an off-campus party at which hazing occurred.

Captains Brendan Bradley and Mario Puskarich and assistant captains Chris Muscoby and Anthony Petruzzelli were suspended Thursday, a day before the season opener against Clarkson.

“This is something that I take very seriously,” athletic director Jeff Schulman said. “Hazing is dangerous, it’s against university policy and it won’t be tolerated in this athletic department. We’re fortunate that this incident did not result in any injuries, but these activities always have the potential to endanger the safety and well-being of our students.”

A hazing scandal at the school in 1999 led to the cancellation of about half its hockey season.

The university said after an allegation first surfaced Sept. 24 about the initiation activity, a Campus Security Authority turned the information over to Police Services for investigation, following university policy and state law.

The school said Police Services consulted with the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, which determined that none of the behavior warranted criminal prosecution. On Thursday, Police Services also informed university officials that they do not intend to issue civil citations.

According to Police Services, first-year team members were asked to temporarily turn over their cellphones on the morning of Sept. 24 for the initiation activity. Later in the afternoon, the team members arrived at an off-campus residence occupied by some of the upper-class players. The initiation activity consisted of first-year team members drinking beer and liquor, and they were expected to be dressed in their boxer shorts while they consumed the alcoholic beverages.

The school placed the team on probation for a year with the understanding that any further team misconduct will result in additional discipline up to and including game cancellations.

NHL HockeyBruins 2, Blue Jackets 1

Columbus, Ohio — Matt Beleskey and Seth Griffin scored to lead Boston over Columbus in an NHL preseason game on Thursday night.

Anton Khudobin started and stopped all 11 shots he faced over the first 29:14. He was then replaced by Malcolm Subban, who finished with 16 saves.

NBA BasketballCeltics 107, Hornets 92

Greenboro, n.c. — All-Star Isaiah Thomas scored 15 points and Al Horford had 13 as Boston got its first preseason victory.

Avery Bradley and Terry Rozier both scored 14 points in the first of two straight neutral-site games between the teams.

Kemba Walker scored four points in 9 minutes of his preseason debut.