ORONO – The sprints that ended Tuesday’s practice were grueling.

But University of Maine men’s hockey players Mike Hamilton and Wes Clark weren’t complaining.

The wingers were just happy to be back on the ice with their teammates for the first time in nearly a month.

Both had served a lengthy suspension stemming from a fight over a woman in Orono last month. They began serving an indefinite suspension from practice and games on Nov. 16.

Hamilton, who initiated the fight, will still serve a four-game suspension but he will be able to practice with the team. Clark has been cleared to practice and play immediately.

The decision was handed down Tuesday by Maine interim athletic director Blake James, who said he imposed the ruling based on the university’s Student-Athlete Code of Conduct.

The original charges of assault and aggravated criminal trespass were downgraded to disorderly conduct on Dec. 8 and both pleaded no contest in Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor. Both were sentenced to 100 hours of community service and Hamilton was also assessed a $500 fine upon completing his community service.

Penobscot County Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts explained last week that the players didn’t intend to start a fight when they went to the apartment of the victim, a member of the baseball team, on Nov. 13.

Hamilton wanted to confront the baseball player, who was involved with his ex-girlfriend.

Hamilton challenged him to a fight, according to police, and when one of the victim’s roommates approached with a baseball bat, the argument heated up and Hamilton assaulted the victim.

According to Jeffrey Silverstein, who is Clark’s attorney, Clark and four other hockey players tried to prevent the situation from escalating. The other four players, Bret Tyler, Travis Wight, Brent Shepheard and Rob Bellamy, were charged with criminal trespass and received one-game suspensions which they have already served.

Hamilton and Clark were remorseful about the incident and excited about being back.

“It felt good to be out there,” said Clark.

“It was good to get in a good skate, finally,” said Hamilton.

Both have suffered tremendous stress.

“It has taken a toll on me and Clark and the rest of the team as well,” said Hamilton, who is a junior. “It has been lingering over our heads for a while and I think everyone is finally happy that we can put it behind us, move on and turn everything into a positive in whatever way we can.”

They said they were taught a valuable lesson.

“I learned that making one mistake can change your life for the rest of your life. You’ve got to look out for each other and make sure nobody gets in these bad situations again,” said Clark.

Hamilton said, “One split-second decision can really hamper your life. It really did a number on my schooling, my future with hockey and everything. You’ve got to help each other stay away from situations than can present themselves. This is something that will stick with me and Wes and the rest of the team for the rest of our lives.”

They accepted their punishments.

“It was an unfortunate event and if you make a mistake, you’ve got to pay for it. The punishment was dealt fairly,” said Clark, who is a sophomore.

It was also reinforced how important hockey and their teammates were to them.

“Before, I took being able to practice every day and being with the team for granted,” said Hamilton. “When you aren’t able to do that for a month, you miss it so much and realize how much you love the game. I can’t wait to get back out there in a Maine uniform.”

Clark agreed, saying, “This definitely puts things into perspective. It makes you think things [through] clearly. It makes you really appreciate what you have.”

He also said they were thankful for the tremendous support they received from their teammates, their families, the coaches and the community.

“They have been very supportive and helped us through this unfortunate event,” said Clark.

Hamilton had three assists in nine games before suffering a knee injury and he has since had arthroscopic surgery on both knees. Clark hasn’t played this season after breaking his left leg in a captain’s practice. Clark could have returned to action five games ago but had to serve his suspension.

“My leg feels great. It felt awesome out there,” said Clark. “I definitely want to earn my spot back in the lineup and get back out there.”

Hamilton said his knees were “100 percent” and he is working to get them back into shape.

Maine senior right wing and captain Greg Moore and coach Tim Whitehead said it was nice to have them back.

“They obviously mean a lot to our team,” Moore said. “We’re looking forward to the second half of the year. They’re excited, the whole team is excited. Obviously, hockey is a real passion in their lives. It means a lot to them to have the sport and to be here at the University of Maine. It’s definitely a big lift for us to have them back.”

Whitehead said, “It’s a very good step for our team to get closure on the situation. I’m happy both those guys will have the opportunity to redeem themselves.”