What we know about the arrests of 3 N.S. youths in hockey sexual assault investigation

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Police in Nova Scotia have arrested three youths in connection with a sexual assault investigation stemming from alleged hazing incidents involving a hockey team in Truro, N.S., the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on Thursday.

Colchester County District RCMP said an investigation began after a youth reported being assaulted during a private team gathering in October 2025. A complaint was made to the RCMP detachment on Jan. 30.

According to an RCMP statement, investigators interviewed multiple witnesses and uncovered information suggesting that additional offences may have occurred at other locations and that those incidents involved other victims and witnesses.

“From the moment this was reported, we acted using a trauma informed approach,” RCMP Colchester County District Commander Sgt. Marc Rose wrote in a news release. “Our priority was the well-being of the youths involved, and we ensured investigators with specialized training in interviewing children and youth were engaged.”

The RCMP said the three youths were arrested without incident on Feb. 3. One youth is facing charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault and assault with a weapon. A second youth is facing charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault and assault with choking. The third youth is facing a single charge of sexual assault with a weapon.

“We recognize how painful and distressing this is for the youths who’ve been harmed, their families, the wider community,” Sgt. Rose wrote. “We know some people may find it difficult to disclose what has happened. If there are other victims, we want them to know we’ll listen, we’ll support them, and we’ll take their experiences seriously. They can come forward safely and at their own pace.”

Alison Craig, a Toronto criminal lawyer who is not involved in the case, said the identities of the youth who have been charged would be protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. According to the Criminal Code, youth under 16 who are convicted of sexual assault with a weapon face up to three years in jail, Craig said.

A conviction for sexual assault and sexual assault with choking could lead to a maximum sentence of two years in jail, she said, adding that if there are multiple convictions, sentences would likely be served concurrently.

There are no minimum sentencing guidelines for youth convicted of offences and a conviction would not automatically mean they would have their identities automatically included in the national sex offenders registry, Craig said.

It’s possible, Craig said, that if youth who have been charged are convicted, the Crown could apply to have them sentenced as adults.

A complaint about locker room behaviour on the Truro hockey team was made to Hockey Canada in early December and an investigation by Hockey Canada’s independent third party was ongoing at the time of the arrests, according to a person familiar with the matter. That ITP investigation has been postponed, pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Both Hockey Canada and Hockey Canada’s independent third party declined to comment.

The RCMP statement said that anyone with information about the alleged sexual assaults can contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820, adding that survivors can speak with police about an incident at any time without needing to decide immediately whether to participate in the full investigative or court process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.