ESSEX – Essex High School is investigating an allegation of “inappropriate behavior” by a boys hockey player against a teammate, the principal says.

“We’re in the middle of an investigation, and that’s where we stand,”  Principal Robert Reardon told the Burlington Free Press on Friday.

One player has been suspended, the principal said. He declined to identify those involved in the matter.

The allegation was made Feb 5, and the inquiry is ongoing, Reardon said. The inappropriate behavior involved another teammate, Reardon said Friday morning.

The principal declined to detail the nature of the allegations and said he was unsure what, if any, law enforcement agencies are participating in the probe.

“We made a report as we are required to do, and we are fulfilling all our responsibilities,” Reardon said.

Reardon declined to speculate on how long the investigation would take. The principal stopped short of describing the allegations as hazing.

“I’m using the term ‘inappropriate behavior,’ because that has yet to be determined,” Reardon said.

Reardon said the boys hockey team — the defending Division I state champions — has yet to face any sanctions related to the allegations. The Hornets are ranked second in the Burlington Free Press boys’ hockey power rankings.

Athletic director Jeff Goodrich, hockey coach Bill O’Neill and Superintendent Judith Denova did not respond to requests for comment.

Essex was scheduled to play South Burlington at 7:45 p.m. Friday.

Contact Zach Despart at 651-4826 or zdespart@burlingtonfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ZachDespart.