Teen hockey players arrested for sexual assault following hazing incident: Manitoba RCMP
Three teenagers were arrested in connection with a pair of alleged hazing incidents on a Manitoba hockey team, police say.
The three teens, all 17 years old, were arrested on April 15 for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, and forcible confinement, while one was arrested for assault and sexual assault.
None of the allegations have been proven in court, and charges have not been officially laid.
RCMP said the arrests stem from two separate incidents of hazing involving five male victims, aged 15 and 16, who were rookies on the hockey team from the Pembina Valley area.
Police say the incidents happened in November 2023 and January 2024 at a Winnipeg hotel while the team was in the city to play in hockey tournaments.
The three were released on an undertaking, and are scheduled to appear in court in Winnipeg on June 10.
‘We took them very seriously’: RCMP
Staff Sergeant Richard Sherring with the RCMP’s major crimes unit said Mounties began their investigation in February.
“The incident was reported to the Pembina Valley RCMP by a high school principal after it was brought forward to her by one of the coaching staff,” he said.
Sherring said hazing incidents are concerning, and teenagers need to understand that their actions could have serious consequences.
“At the end of the day, every person participating in sports should be able to do so in a safe environment,” he said. “When these allegations were brought forward to us, we took them very seriously and investigated them.”
Sherring said RCMP believes no other charges are expected in this incident.
In a statement, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association said it was aware of the arrests and its primary concern is the health and safety of student-athletes.
“The MHSAA is monitoring the situation and remains committed to providing support to the Prairie Spirit School Division, Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine, and Prairie Rose School Division as they work through this matter,” a statement from the organization reads.
“The allegations are deeply troubling, and we take them very seriously. Given that this remains a legal matter, the MHSAA will refrain from further comments at this time.”
Hockey Manitoba also issued a statement, saying it takes the allegations “very seriously.”
“The alleged behavior has no place in the game of hockey,” said Peter Woods, executive director of Hockey Manitoba, in a statement.
Hockey Manitoba added it had no further comment on the incident as the matter is in the hands of police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING 3 law officers killed, 5 others wounded trying to serve warrant in North Carolina, authorities say
Three law enforcement officers serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded Monday in a shootout at a Charlotte, North Carolina, home, police said.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
CRA to audit Sask. for not paying carbon levies on home heating
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is going to audit Saskatchewan for not paying carbon levies on home heating, Premier Scott Moe said Monday.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
B.C. premier says Vancouver speech praising Hamas attack was 'most hateful' he can imagine
B.C. Premier David Eby has joined other politicians denouncing remarks at a demonstration in Vancouver where protesters chanted “long live Oct. 7,” praising that day's attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Norovirus spreading at 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada
Norovirus is spreading at a 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada, specifically, in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health
Moderate drinking was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods have thrown cold water on that.
Singh still not ready to say if NDP will back budget, holding out for 'clarity' on disability benefit
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he's still not ready to say whether his caucus will support the federal budget, citing a need for further 'clarity' over whether the Liberals intend to address concerns surrounding the Canada Disability Benefit program.