3 Manitoba teens arrested in alleged high school hockey team hazing incident
Posted April 16, 2024 1:04 pm.
Last Updated April 17, 2024 6:32 pm.
Police say three 17-year-old boys from a high school in southern Manitoba were arrested in connection with alleged hockey hazing incidents involving five rookies on the team.
Manitoba RCMP say the accused and victims played for a team in the Pembina Valley.
The alleged incidents — two separate ones — are said to have taken place in November 2023 and January 2024 at a hotel in Winnipeg, where the high school hockey team was playing in tournaments.
The victims are 15- and 16-year-old boys, police say.
RCMP add they were notified Feb. 20 and the accused were arrested Monday.
Two of the suspects were arrested for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, and forcible confinement. The third was arrested for sexual assault and assault.
All three were released and are expected in court in Winnipeg June 10. They have yet to be charged.
“We have worked closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to determine what took place and to progress the investigation,” Tara Seel, a media relations officer with the Manitoba RCMP, said in a news release. “This type of behaviour – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and is going to result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved.”
In a statement to CityNews, Prairie Spirit School Division says it’s working closely with its divisional partners Prairie Road and DFSM (La Division scolaire franco-manitobaine) “to support our students and families.”
“There is an active investigation occurring (with) outside authorities and we cannot comment at this time,” it added.
Hockey Manitoba said it became aware of the allegations on Tuesday.
“Hockey Manitoba takes allegations of this nature seriously. The alleged behavior has no place in the game
of hockey,” executive director Peter Woods said in a statement.
“As the matter is in the hands of the police, who have indicated that charges are pending, Hockey Manitoba will have no further comment at this time.”
