University of Ottawa suspends men's hockey amid police probe
University refers allegations of 'serious misconduct' to police
The University of Ottawa said Monday it has suspended its men's varsity hockey program over allegations of "serious misconduct" related to a sexual assault investigation in Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay police said Monday they were investigating a third-party complaint of a sexual assault believed to have occurred on the weekend of Feb. 1, when the University of Ottawa hockey team was in Thunder Bay.
The University of Ottawa Gee Gees played the Lakehead University Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Police are proceeding with extra care in interviewing the victim, because someone other than the victim came forward with the complaint, Adams said.
Patrick Charette, the university's director of corporate communications, said in a brief statement that although the allegations involving some members of the team date back several weeks, senior management in the university's Sports Services only became aware of them from a third party on Feb. 24.
The university reported the incident to police on Feb. 25.
Thunder Bay police said the investigation is still in its early stages and they would not disclose any further details.
Thunder Bay police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 807-684-1200 or Ottawa police's sexual assault unit at 613-236-1222 ext.5944 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Corrections
- An earlier version of this story said incorrectly that the alleged assault occurred on the Lakehead University campus. A spokesman for Thunder Bay Police said the alleged incident didn't take place on university property.Mar 04, 2014 11:36 AM ET