Ottawa university hockey team suspended after some members allegedly involved in sexual assault
OTTAWA (CUP) - The
University of Ottawa has suspended
its men's varsity hockey program
due to allegations that certain
members of the team, the Gee
Gees, were involved in a sexual
assault.
According to Thunder Bay police, some team members were allegedly involved in the sexual assault of a female university student in Thunder Bay several weeks ago, though the incident was only reported by a third party February 24.
The investigation is being led by Thunder Bay police's sexual assault unit. Ottawa police are aware of the incident, but haven't been asked to assist in the investigation.
The team played two games in Thunder Bay on January 31 and February 1, winning both games 4- 3 against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The season ended February 21 after the Gee-Gees lost to the Queen's Gaels in the provincial playoffs.
The university administration reported the incident to police February 25 and said they will be cooperating with the investigation and launching an internal review.
“These are serious allegations,” Patrick Charette, director of corporate communications, said at a press meeting. “You will also appreciate that there are all kinds of legal rights, including privacy of all innocent parties involved.”
Charette said the university was asked by police not to communicate publicly until today.
The university will not reveal how many of its student athletes were involved in the incident.
According to Thunder Bay police, some team members were allegedly involved in the sexual assault of a female university student in Thunder Bay several weeks ago, though the incident was only reported by a third party February 24.
The investigation is being led by Thunder Bay police's sexual assault unit. Ottawa police are aware of the incident, but haven't been asked to assist in the investigation.
The team played two games in Thunder Bay on January 31 and February 1, winning both games 4- 3 against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The season ended February 21 after the Gee-Gees lost to the Queen's Gaels in the provincial playoffs.
The university administration reported the incident to police February 25 and said they will be cooperating with the investigation and launching an internal review.
“These are serious allegations,” Patrick Charette, director of corporate communications, said at a press meeting. “You will also appreciate that there are all kinds of legal rights, including privacy of all innocent parties involved.”
Charette said the university was asked by police not to communicate publicly until today.
The university will not reveal how many of its student athletes were involved in the incident.
