Teens charged in Manitoba hockey 'hazing' incident

Manitoba RCMP have arrested three teenagers in connection with a hazing incident involving a Pembina Valley hockey team.

Police said there were two separate incidents of hazing that involved five victims, all between the ages of 15 and 16, who were new to the team.

The first event took place in November 2023, and the second in January 2024. Both incidents took place at a Winnipeg hotel while a high school hockey team was in town to play in tournaments. All those involved in the incident are men and players on the team.

Three 17-year-old boys were arrested on Monday. Two of the boys face charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault and forcible confinement. A third teenager is facing charges of sexual assault and battery.

“We have been working closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division and the coaches to determine what happened and move forward with the investigation,” he said. Tara SelMedia Relations Officer with the Manitoba RCMP.

“This type of behavior – violent and offensive in nature – is unacceptable and the three young men involved will be held criminally responsible.”

The three suspects have been released with a court date scheduled for June 10, 2024 in Winnipeg.