THUNDER BAY – The sexual assault case against two former University of Ottawa hockey players continues to grind its way through the courts, nearly two years after the alleged incident took place.
The case of David Foucher and Guillaume Donovan, who each face one count of sexual assault, was briefly called Tuesday morning at the Thunder Bay Courthouse before being adjourned for two weeks to set a date for a judicial pre-trial.
The charges stem from an incident which allegedly took place on Feb. 2, 2014 at the Victoria Inn involving a 21-year-old victim, following the conclusion of the University of Ottawa Gee Gees regular season series against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay.
Police agencies first became aware of the allegations about one month later after a third-party complaint was received on Feb. 25.
The investigation, which involved the Thunder Bay and Ottawa police services as well as the RCMP, was made public shortly afterwards, sparking national media attention with rumours speculating a large number of team members were involved.
That controversy and ensuing public backlash factored into the university’s decision to suspend the men’s hockey program and fire head coach Rael Paiement.
The program is to be reinstated for the 2016-2017 season.
Foucher and Donovan were charged in August 2014 and their case has been pushed forward several subsequent times.
A publication ban was placed on all evidence during their first court appearance in September 2014.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
The next court date is scheduled for Jan. 19.
