WINNIPEG — A former Winnipeg hockey coach who lured a teen player into an inappropriate sexual relationship by exploiting past trauma was sentenced Monday to six years in prison. Provincial court Judge Jerilee Ryle told Madison Biluk the harm she caused demanded denunciation. "The offending was not a one-time lapse in judgment. It persisted for 16 months and was carried out through secrecy, deception and repeated violations of the victim," Ryle said during a sentencing hearing. "The accused's actions caused the victim serious ongoing emotional and psychological harm." Biluk, 31, initially faced 15 charges. She pleaded guilty in 2024 to luring and sexual assault of the girl between 2019 and 2021. The coach was in her 20s at the time of the offences, which started when the victim was 15. Court heard the two met in 2019, and Biluk began driving the teen and other players to hockey practice. Biluk messaged the player on Snapchat then over other social media apps. The messages became more frequent, personal and sexual. During these conversations, the teen revealed her struggles with depression and past abuse, and Biluk exploited those concerns “to build closeness and eventually move her relationship toward sexual contact," said the judge. She said staff became concerned about Biluk's interactions with players. In some cases, the behaviour was reported to management but Biluk ignored warnings. She directed the victim to lie about her name and age if friends questioned the relationship. Biluk later moved to Alberta to pursue a new coaching position. Numerous concerns were raised about her behaviour and she was not asked to return. Court heard the victim, now an adult, has suffered from depression, anxiety, loss of friendships and attempted suicide. "The victim's emotional, psychological and social struggles show the real and lasting impacts of the accused's actions," said Ryle. The Crown and defence jointly recommended the six-year sentence. Court heard Biluk has been in counselling since 2024 to understand why she exploited the player. The judge said she believes Biluk has genuine remorse for the harm she caused but that the gravity of the offences requires a suitable sentence. "Children deserve to grow up safe from abuse," Ryle said. "Parents, players and coaches rely on the belief that youth sports are safe environments. When a person in a position of authority abuses that trust, the entire community feels the consequences." Biluk was ordered to register as a sex offender for 20 years and to submit a DNA sample. She isn't allowed to use the internet to connect with people under 18. She also can't go to a daycare centre, school or playground for five years. And she can't accept a job or a volunteer position where she would be in a position of authority of anyone under 16. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2026. Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press
