Former Stockton Coach Responds to Atlantic City Public Comments

Former Stockton University Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Alan Rhoads has unambiguously responded to a recent City of Atlantic City published public comment about him, which read as follows:

Stockton's former President, Dr. Harvey Kesselman, previously had to intervene in a matter involving Mr. Rhoads and the city…

The inference behind these words leaves the reader with the impression that there was some kind of progressive discipline going on versus Rhoads.

That does not appear to be the case.

”Indeed, like any good employer-employee relationship, Dr. Harvey Kesslman and I have spoken,” said Rhoads.

“Understandably, he was concerned with my volunteer and unpaid nonprofit work with the South Jersey Ice and Athletic Center association, and the intersection of my title as Stockton University's Head Coach for Men's Ice Hockey,” said Rhoads.

“Specifically, he (Kesselman) and the university were concerned with the following two documents:

“Does anyone really think that if, Dr. Harvey Kesselman, a historic figure in his own right, didn't want me at Stockton, that I would still be there?” said Rhoads.

Rhoads sent a letter to Ernest Coursey, Chief of Staff for Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small. Rhoads also had a meeting with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority regarding his wide-ranging, multi-use proposal.

“For the record, Mr. Coursey never responded to our request to meet, perhaps because he and his administration can't answer our questions honestly,” said Rhoads.

The City of Atlantic City and Atlantic City Skate Zone previously banned Rhoads from the premises of the ice skating rink.

This banishment ultimately led to Stockton University firing Rhoads as its Men’s Ice Hockey head coach; as he could no longer attend team practices and home games.

Rhoads is currently exploring his legal options and future litigation appears likely.