TRURO — A 14-year-old minor hockey player in Nova Scotia has pleaded guilty to three charges related to the sexual assault of teammates during a sleepover. The young offender originally entered a not guilty plea in May to one count of sexual assault with a weapon and two counts of sexual assault against three separate victims, all aged 13 at the time of the incidents that occurred in the fall of 2025.
During a hearing on Monday in Truro, N.S., the youth court learned that one victim was assaulted using a mini hockey stick as a weapon. The boy, dressed in a white shirt and blue dress pants, ultimately pleaded guilty to all three charges. Approximately 20 people attended the hearing, with many emotional family members sharing hugs in the hallway following the proceedings. However, family members chose not to comment further.
Crown prosecutor Patrick Young explained the implications of the guilty pleas, saying they indicate the accused's acceptance of responsibility and remorse. This legal acknowledgment also relieves the victims of the burden of testifying in a trial, ensuring a certain outcome regarding criminal liability for the charges. The guilty plea process is designed to spare the victims and their families from enduring a lengthy judicial process.
In addition to the three charges, the young offender was facing a separate assault charge related to one of the victims on a later date, but Crown prosecutor Young indicated that this charge would be withdrawn.
The guilty pleas come in the wake of another boy who faced similar accusations, who changed his plea to guilty on one charge of sexual assault with a weapon in September. This other boy was set to testify against the player who pleaded guilty on Monday.
According to an agreed statement of facts, the assault incident occurred on October 3, 2025, during a sleepover attended by the under-15 hockey team in Colchester County, located northeast of Halifax. During the gathering, most players were in upstairs bedrooms while parents were downstairs. At one point, a victim lying face down on a bed was restrained by two 14-year-old boys, who pulled down his pants and underwear and utilized a mini hockey stick during the assault. The victim pleaded with them to stop, which they did after he started crying. Although the entire episode lasted only 15 to 20 seconds, the impact on the victim was profound, making it feel much longer.
Following this assault, the two accused attempted to target two additional players but were unsuccessful in fully removing their underwear. Several other players were present throughout the incidents. One victim expressed feelings of mental distress and struggled with how to disclose the events to his parents, fearing it might cause trouble. Eventually, he confided in them, leading to police notification at the end of January 2026.
Due to a publication ban under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, neither of the accused can be named. Outside the courtroom, prosecutor Young stated that there would be a joint sentencing recommendation, but he could not disclose the specifics of the plea negotiations or the differing plea decisions among the accused.
Young highlighted an important message for residents of Nova Scotia regarding the under-reported nature of sexual violence and sexual assault. He urged that awareness of supports available for victims is crucial and emphasized that the criminal justice system can address such cases effectively.
Hockey Nova Scotia was first made aware of the allegations on January 30, which coincided with the police reporting of the incident. The governing body immediately referred the matter to the RCMP, leading to the suspension of a youth team. Initially, four youths were arrested in early February, though only two faced charges on February 24.
The two accused were subsequently released from custody with specific court orders to avoid contacting certain individuals. They were also restricted from entering public dressing rooms without adult supervision. On February 27, the RCMP released a statement expressing concern that other potential victims had yet to come forward, urging anyone who may have experienced similar assaults disguised as team initiation or bonding to come forth for support.
