Milford Hockey Teams To Drop 'Indians' Nicknames

MILFORD, CT — Jonathan Law High School hockey teams in Milford will be dropping their Indians mascots.

The boys team will become the Mariners, and the girls squad will be renamed "the Lightning," according to a tweet from the school's athletic department.

Athletic Director VJ Sarullo told News12 Connecticut that, "while the name Indians was a tribute to the old Milford High School, it is no longer appropriate. Milford Mariners chosen to honor history of Milford."

The use of Native American names in high school sports has been the subject of criticism for years. The attacks intensified this year after Washington's National Football League team removed its Redskins name amid corporate sponsor pressure. Defenders of the use of Native American symbolism in sports say it is meant as a tribute to indigenous peoples.