Nova Scotia teen pleads guilty to sexual assault with a weapon in hockey hazing case
A 15-year-old youth hockey player in Nova Scotia has pleaded guilty to sexual assault with a weapon following an October 2025 hazing incident at a team sleepover. A second accused teen has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in February 2027.
A 15-year-old youth hockey player pleaded guilty Tuesday in Truro youth court to one count of sexual assault with a weapon, stemming from a hazing incident that took place on Oct. 3, 2025, involving members of a youth hockey team in the Truro, N.S., area.
The assault occurred during a team-building sleepover at a player's home in Colchester County. According to the facts presented in court, the victim was a 13-year-old rookie who was pinned face-down on a bed while his pants and underwear were removed. A mini hockey stick, roughly half an inch thick, was then pushed between his buttocks. The assault lasted approximately 15 to 20 seconds, though the victim reported it felt like forever and left him suffering mental hurt and emotional distress.
Two other victims had their pants lowered by the accused but successfully kicked free before their underwear could be removed. The two additional sexual assault charges related to those victims will be dismissed when the teen is sentenced.
Both accused boys were 14 years old at the time of the alleged offences. Police initially arrested four youths, but only two were charged. The father of the primary victim filed a complaint with the RCMP on Jan. 30, leading to the arrests on Feb. 3.
Following the guilty plea, the judge ordered a comprehensive psychological and psychiatric assessment to be conducted at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. A court update is scheduled for Dec. 15.
A second co-accused, also 15 at the time of the plea, has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial beginning Feb. 22, 2027. Prosecutor Patrick Young stated that the teen who pleaded guilty could potentially be a compellable witness for the Crown against the co-accused.
The identities of the accused and the victims are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.