By: Winnipeg Tribune Staff Writer
Winnipeg, April 16, 2024 - On Monday, April 14, Manitoba RCMP arrested and charged three 17-year-old males in connection with hazing incidents involving minors on a high school hockey team. These incidents were reported to the police on February 20 of this year.
Manitoba RCMP stated that there were two separate instances of hazing, involving five victims who were rookies on the team. Two of the males were arrested for Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Sexual Assault, and Forcible Confinement, while another was arrested for Sexual Assault and Assault.
The victims, aged 15 and 16, experienced the first incident in November 2023 and the second 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 for tournaments. All individuals involved in the incidents are male players on the team.
"We have collaborated closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to ascertain what transpired and to advance the investigation," stated Tara Seel, Media Relations Officer with the Manitoba RCMP. "This kind of behavior – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and will result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved."
The three suspects were released with a court appearance scheduled in Winnipeg on June 10, 2024.