Three teens arrested for ongoing hazing incidents
The Manitoba RCMP has made the arrest of three 17-year-old males following hazing incidents dating back to November 2023.
According to police reports, the three players belong to the same high school hockey team based out of the Pembina Valley area. Two of the three have been arrested for Sexual Assault With a Weapon, Sexual Assault and Forcible Confinement, while one of the males was charged with Assault and Sexual Assault.
Further investigation has uncovered that the group in question is that of the Prairie Mountain Mustangs - a collective team made up of players from three different high schools within the Pembina Valley region (Miami School, Prairie Mountain High School and Ecole Regional Notre Dame). They play in the eight-team Zone IV High School Hockey League, but withdrew from the provincial playoffs due to the ongoing investigation by Winnipeg Police and the Manitoba RCMP.
All three players were released and have court appearances scheduled in Winnipeg for June 10.
The set of incidents in question were first brought to police attention on February 20. There were two separate incidents, both involving younger players, or rookies, as a form of hazing/initiation. The victims were 15 and 16-year-old teammates.
Both incidents occurred in Winnipeg-based hotels when the Mustangs were in town for tournaments. The first incident took place in November, while the second was in January.
According to media relations officer Tara Seel of the Manitoba RCMP, the three players involved will be charged, criminally.
"We have worked closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to determine what took place and to progress the investigation," Seel said. "This type of behaviour – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and is going to result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved."
Comments