Ontario Hockey League Pledges Full Cooperation in Sexual Assault Investigation

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has affirmed its commitment to fully cooperating with authorities concerning allegations of sexual assault by eight former players. This announcement comes in the wake of a CTV W5 investigation that aired on Wednesday, which brought to light the allegations.

The report details an incident from November 2014, where a woman claims she was sexually assaulted by eight OHL players at a house where a 19-year-old player, with whom she was in a relationship, was billeted. The woman, who is now 32, has stated that some of the players involved eventually advanced to the National Hockey League (NHL).

Upon learning of the allegations, the OHL released a statement on Thursday expressing its intention to cooperate with any police investigations. “The Ontario Hockey League is aware of a CTV report of a sexual assault alleged to have been committed by OHL players in November 2014,” the statement reads. The league emphasized the seriousness with which it regards allegations of this nature and promised to assist law enforcement as necessary.

The National Hockey League (NHL) also responded to the CTV report, noting that it is “deeply troubled by any accusation of this nature.” The NHL indicated that it possesses no further information beyond the media reports.

Currently, no details regarding the identities of the accused players or the team or teams involved have been disclosed, and the allegations have yet to be tested in court.

The revelation of this alleged incident comes amid ongoing sexual assault controversies faced by Hockey Canada, involving its 2016 and 2003 national junior teams.

The OHL underscored the “courage required for victims of sexual assault to come forward with their experiences” in their statement. Additionally, the league highlighted its “OHL Onside” program, which includes mandatory workshops on respectful relationships, conducted in collaboration with the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres.

Resources are available for individuals impacted by sexual assault or trauma. Those in immediate danger are advised to contact emergency services. Various support services and hotlines, including the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and the Trans Lifeline, offer assistance.