A teen charged with sexual assault in relation to a hockey hazing incident in Truro, N.S., pleaded guilty to one of the charges Tuesday. In a packed courtroom in Truro, the teenage boy changed his plea to guilty, admitting his role in the sexual assault of one of his hockey teammates almost one year ago. On Tuesday, the court heard the incident happened during a team-building party at one of the players’ family homes. The two teens who have been charged in connection with the case were both 14 at the time. According to an agreed statement of facts, the assault happened when the 13-year-old victim was held down on a bed while he was on his stomach. His pants and underwear were removed, and a mini hockey stick was pushed between his buttocks. It was said to be a 15- to 20-second assault. The victim shouted for them to stop and began to cry. A joint-sentence recommendation is expected. “The range of sentence, because it’s very individualized, can range anywhere from an absolute discharge to a period of secure custody and community supervision,” said Crown Prosecutor Patrick Young. The co-accused has pleaded not guilty. “We have to keep in mind there is going to be a trial. It’s scheduled to begin on Feb. 22 and that that young person is presumed innocent. And, the judge that heard this plea is different than the trial judge,” said Young. “We have to be very careful that we don’t say anything that might prejudice the other case. So, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the evidentiary implications of this guilty plea to that trial.” The court heard Tuesday the victim wanted to tell his parents but was unsure how to do so and didn’t want anyone to get in trouble. On Jan. 30, a parent came forward to make a complaint to the RCMP about the incident in October 2025. The teen who changed his plea will have two other sexual assault charges related to two other victims dismissed at sentencing. The co-accused has pleaded not guilty to those charges, and an additional assault, ahead of his February 2027 trial. The teen who pleaded guilty Tuesday is back in court on Dec. 15 to get an update on a court-ordered psychological and psychiatric assessment. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page -- If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
