On April 15, 2024, three 17-year-old male youths were arrested in relation to hazing incidents on a hockey team. Two of the males were arrested for sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, and forcible confinement. One of the males was arrested for sexual assault and assault.
Police learned of these incidents on February 20, 2024, and say that there were two separate instances of hazing, which involved five victims who were rookies on the team. The victims were 15 and 16 years of age.
RCMP report that the first incident occurred in November 2023, and the second occurred in January 2024. Both incidents occurred at a Winnipeg hotel while the high school hockey team from the Pembina Valley area was in the city to play in tournaments. All of those involved in the incidents are male and players on the team.
“We have worked closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to determine what took place and to progress the investigation,” said Tara Seel, Media Relations Officer with the Manitoba RCMP. “This type of behaviour – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and is going to result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved.”
The three suspects were released with a court appearance scheduled for a future date in Winnipeg.
