Some players of a University hockey team now the focus of a sexual assault investigation chose not speak to police, investigators confirmed Thursday.
In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, the Thunder Bay Police Service states its investigation into sexual assault allegations involving the University of Ottawa hockey team continues.
Officials with the police service say local investigators have returned from Ottawa, where they interviewed University of Ottawa hockey players and staff.
While a majority of the players sought for interviews co-operated with investigators, the police release states that “a number of players chose not to speak to police.”
Little is known about the alleged incident that sparked the investigation, but media in Ottawa had previously reported it as a gang sexual assault.
The investigation began on Feb. 25 after police learned of the allegations through a third party.
The University of Ottawa responded by suspending the entire men’s hockey team, which had already been eliminated from the OUA playoffs, indefinitely.
On March 12, the local police service announced it would be sending officers to the Ottawa area to interview people who may be connected to the case. While in Ottawa, Thunder Bay investigators were assisted by the RCMP and the Ottawa Police Service.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200, Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222 ext.5944 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
