Three suspects are in custody in connection to a couple of hockey hazing incidents that took place late last year and earlier this year. 

Both of the incidents occurred at a Winnipeg hotel while the high school hockey team from the Pembina Valley area was in the city to play in tournaments.

The first incident occurred in November 2023, and the second occurred in January 2024. RCMP says the two separate incidents involved five rookies aged 15 and 16.

The hazing incidents were first reported to police on Feb 20, 2024, and earlier this week, officers arrested three 17-year-old males in connection to the two incidents. Two of the males were arrested for Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Sexual Assault, and Forcible Confinement. One of the males was arrested for Sexual Assault and Assault.

“We have worked closely with the schools, the Prairie Spirit School Division, and coaches to determine what took place and to progress the investigation,” said Tara Seel, Media Relations Officer with the Manitoba RCMP. “This type of behaviour – violent and humiliating initiations – is unacceptable and is going to result in criminal charges for the three male youth involved.”

All three suspects were released with a court appearance scheduled in Winnipeg this summer.