THUNDER BAY – The University of Ottawa announced today that it has suspended the men’s varsity hockey program. Senior management in the University’s Sports Services received information from a third party on Monday, February 24, 2014 regarding an incident involving some members of the men’s hockey team. The information included allegations of serious misconduct. The University reported the incident to the police on Tuesday, February 25. The University has assured the police that it will cooperate fully with whatever investigation they may initiate.
The University has launched an internal review that will be conducted so as not to interfere with any investigation the police may undertake.
The incident occurred several weeks ago. The University is deeply concerned that senior management was only informed about these allegations on February 24, and then by a third party. This will be among the matters examined in the review. The University has high expectations of all our students and staff. The alleged misconduct is not in keeping with the values that are at the heart of athletics and student life on campus.
No further details about the matter will be released at this time in view of privacy laws and the internal review.
The Ottawa Sun is reporting that the victim was not co-operating with the Thunder Bay Police.
Thunder Bay Police state, “The Criminal Investigation Branch of the Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a third party complaint of a sexual assault which was believed to have occurred on the weekend of February 1, 2014. This alleged incident occurred when the University of Ottawa hockey team was in Thunder Bay for a scheduled O.U.A. division game”.
Thunder Bay Police became aware of this complaint on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Thunder Bay Police are being assisted by the Ottawa Police Service in this ongoing investigation and are following up with involved parties.
“The incident occurred several weeks ago,” the release states. “The University is deeply concerned that senior management was only informed about these allegations on February 24, and then by a third party. This will be among the matters examined in the review.”
“The University has high expectations of all our students and staff. The alleged misconduct is not in keeping with the values that are at the heart of athletics and student life on campus.
Thunder Bay Police report, “This investigation is in its initial stages. We will not disclose any further details which could identify the individuals involved in this incident or jeopardize the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police Service (807) 684-1200, Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222 ext.5944 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You may also submit an anonymous web tip at www.tipsubmit.com.
