The University of Ottawa men's varsity hockey program was suspended indefinitely this morning after allegations of serious misconduct by some of its players were reported to police.
While the incident itself is reported to have taken place several weeks ago, a third party alerted the university’s administration on Feb. 24. The source reported it to police the day after.
The incident is believed to have happened when the team was playing games at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Thunder Bay police are currently investigating the incident. Police announced today that they are looking into a sexual assault case that is said to have taken place on the weekend of Feb. 1.
The University of Ottawa has also launched an internal review into the incident.
The university said in a press release that the incident is not in line with its expectations of student and staff.
“The alleged misconduct is not in keeping with the values that are at the heart of athletics and student life on campus,” the press release said.
The university held a short news conference on campus this afternoon. Citing privacy concerns and an ongoing police investigation, Patrick Charette, the school’s director of corporate communications, didn’t provide reporters with further details on the incident or the investigation.