Two N.S. teens plead not guilty to sex assault following hockey hazing incidents

The provincial courthouse is seen in Truro, N.S., on April 14, 2026. (Callum Smith/CTV News Atlantic)

Two 15-year-olds charged with sexual assault in connection with hockey hazing incidents in Nova Scotia have pleaded not guilty.

One youth was in court in Truro, N.S., on Monday while the second youth was represented by their defence lawyer.

The teens are each facing two counts of sexual assault and a single count of sexual assault with a weapon involving three alleged victims on Oct. 3, 2025, in Colchester County.

One youth has also been charged with assault following an alleged attack on one of the victims in the Truro area between Oct. 1 and Dec. 30, 2025.

The teens pleaded not guilty to all the charges on Monday. They are both due back in court on June 29 to set a trial date.

The youths, who were 14 at the time of the alleged offences, were first charged in February in connection with what the RCMP called “hockey hazing incidents.”

Police have said the incidents involved members of a boys’ hockey team in the Truro area.

On Jan. 30, a youth reported being assaulted during a private team gathering in October 2025.

Police launched an investigation, which they said included statements from multiple witnesses. Investigators said hazing incidents involving other victims and witnesses also happened at other locations.

Four youths were arrested, but charges were only laid against two of them.

Three victims are listed in court documents.

The youths were initially charged separately, but last month the Crown said they would instead face the charges jointly.

“It’s significant in this case that, with both young persons charged together, there’s a presumption that there’ll be a joint trial if the matter is scheduled for trial, as opposed to two separate trials,” Patrick Young, senior Crown attorney for the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, explained during a court appearance on April 14.

“So, it makes the process more efficient and has the potential to reduce delays in the case.”

The youths have been ordered not to contact three people, and both are prohibited from entering a public dressing room unless they are with an adult.

Hockey Nova Scotia previously said it learned on Jan. 30 about a “maltreatment allegation” involving a minor and it reported the allegation to the RCMP and Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party.

The organization said the team has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

The team has not been named.

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