THUNDER BAY -- The case of two former University of Ottawa hockey players charged with sexual assault needs “to be moving.”
That’s the message Justice of the Peace John Guthrie had for the court on Tuesday after lawyers for Guillaume Donovan and David Foucher sent instructions through local duty counsel requesting a six-week adjournment.
Instead, he ordered the case return to the Thunder Bay Courthouse on Feb. 10 to be spoken to.
The charges stem from a Feb. 2, 2014 incident in the city when the University of Ottawa Gee Gees travelled for a weekend series against the Lakehead Thunderwolves.
The Thunder Bay Police Service began investigating the case in late February after receiving a third-party complaint about the incident, which allegedly happened at the Victoria Inn involving a 21-year-old victim.
That launched a lengthy investigation which involved both the Thunder Bay and Ottawa Police Services, as well as assistance from the RCMP.
The criminal investigation concluded in August with charges laid against Foucher, 25, and Donovan, 24. Foucher was the captain of the hockey team while Donovan was an alternate captain.
The University of Ottawa also launched an internal investigation, which led to the suspension of their men’s hockey program and the dismissal of head coach Real Paiement.
Multiple national media outlets reported on Tuesday that the other members of the 2013-2014 hockey team had launched a class action lawsuit against the university. The statement of claim obtained by CTV News reported the suit is seeking $4 million in general damages and an additional $2 million in punitive damages.
Neither Foucher nor Donovan were present when the case was called. Both are represented by out of town lawyers, neither of whom were in the courtroom.
Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.
During their first appearance in September a publication ban was placed on all evidence.
