Nova Scotia teen pleads guilty to sexual assault with a weapon in hockey hazing case
A 15-year-old youth hockey player pleaded guilty in Truro, N.S., to one count of sexual assault with a weapon following an October 2025 hazing incident. A second co-accused has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in February 2027.
A 15-year-old youth hockey player pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Truro youth court to one count of sexual assault with a weapon stemming from a hazing incident in Colchester County, Nova Scotia.
The charges relate to events on Oct. 3, 2025, during a team-building sleepover party at a player's family home where parents were present downstairs. According to an agreed statement of facts, the 13-year-old victim was held face-down on a bed while his pants and underwear were removed. A mini hockey stick, described by police as approximately 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. The victim suffered mental hurt and trauma as a result.
Two other victims were approached that same evening. Their pants were lowered, but they kicked free before their underwear could be removed.
Police initially arrested four youths, but only two were charged. Both accused were 14 years old at the time of the alleged offences. The father of the primary victim filed a complaint with the RCMP on Jan. 30, leading to arrests on Feb. 3.
Under the terms of the guilty plea, two other sexual assault charges related to the additional victims will be dismissed against the teen at sentencing. Crown Prosecutor Patrick Young stated that the range of sentence can vary from an absolute discharge to secure custody and community supervision under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Judge Brian Warcop ordered a comprehensive psychological and psychiatric assessment for the teen who pleaded guilty, to be conducted at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 15 for an update on the assessment report and to schedule sentencing.
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.