A 28-year-old Winnipeg woman is facing a lengthy list of charges, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, luring, and possessing child pornography after police say they uncovered an exploitative relationship with a teenage girl that took place over two years.
Madison Biluk, a former coach within the Hockey Manitoba organization, allegedly groomed and gained the trust of the survivor, who was a hockey player under her supervision.
Const. Dani McKinnon said Friday that while police were initially tipped off about the abuse by a third party, the victim is to be lauded for coming forward and providing details that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“This is a very brave action,” McKinnon said. “She took some steps on her own to reach out to the public — to some family members — and then eventually has spoken to police, and then the report has carried on to the investigative stage.
“For a survivor to come forward… it’s harrowing and very brave, and (these cases) are difficult for the investigators. This is sensitive, difficult material.
“Sport is supposed to be safe, so it’s difficult for the entire community.”
Police said that although offences began while the victim was being coached by the accused the abuse allegedly continued even after she had stopped playing hockey.
Biluk has been charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, three total counts of luring via telecommunication, and three total counts of transmitting, distributing, or selling sexually explicit material to a minor.
She’s also facing charges of possessing child pornography, making/printing/publishing or possessing child pornography for the purpose of publication, importing/distributing/selling or possessing child pornography for the purpose of distribution or sale, plus one count each of assault and assault with a weapon.
Police said she has been released with Crown-authorized conditions.
Biluk coached in Manitoba hockey leagues from 2018-2023, and the alleged offenses occurred while she was an assistant coach in the Manitoba Female Hockey League (MFHL) at the U18-AAA level.
The investigation continues, and at this point, police said they aren’t aware of any additional victims.
“This investigation is based on one survivor,” McKinnon said.
“There’s always a potential, of course, when you’re looking at a very large organization, but at this time we don’t have anyone else we’re speaking with.”
In a statement Friday afternoon, Hockey Manitoba executive director Peter Woods said his organization learned of the exploitation last month and notified both Winnipeg police and Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP).
“We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously,” Woods said in the statement.
“The individual is ineligible to participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs, including as a coach, guest coach or volunteer while the ITP
complaint process is ongoing.”
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