Delay in setting trial dates for former U of O hockey players

It will be at least two more weeks before trial dates are set for two former University of Ottawa hockey players charged with sexual assault in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Guillaume Donovan and David Foucher were each charged two years ago stemming from an alleged incident at a Thunder Bay hotel in February 2014.

• Guillaume Donovan, David Foucher charged with Thunder Bay sex assault

• Guillaume Donovan, David Foucher trial dates set for August in Thunder Bay

The trial was set to start Monday, but on Tuesday morning court heard the case was adjourned after a medical issue involving the family of one of the defence lawyers.

Donovan and Foucher were each charged with sexual assault in August 2014 after a woman, who was 21 years old at the time, accused them of engaging in an incident at a hotel six months earlier. The University of Ottawa hockey team was in Thunder Bay to face off against Lakehead University. 

When charges were laid, Donovan was 24 years old and Foucher was 25. Both men are from Gatineau, Que., and were released from custody.

The University of Ottawa hockey team was suspended during the police investigation. Réal Paiement, who was the head coach of the team at the time, was initially suspended before being fired by the university.

The matter will be back in court in Thunder Bay on Aug. 30 to set new trial dates.