UPDATE: RCMP sent a media release on Dec. 21, 2017 to say that charges will not be laid in connection with this investigation.
RCMP are investigating a report of some “bullying behaviour” within a youth hockey team in St. Albert.
The St. Albert Minor Hockey Association and the team’s coach contacted RCMP “to ensure safety is in place for all players,” police said in a news release Wednesday. Very few details were provided.
“Youth safety is a priority for the RCMP,” Cpl. Laurel Kading said.
“All allegations of behaviours that endanger the safety of young people are taken very seriously and will be priority investigations.”
Bullying is not a criminal offence and St. Albert RCMP declined to say what alleged offences they’re investigating.
They’re asking anyone with information about the alleged incidents to contact the detachment at 780-458-7700 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
“Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display, Call Trace or tape any phone calls,” RCMP said. “If your information leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash award up to $2,000. We want your tip, not your name.”
RCMP said neither the names of the youth involved nor the specific hockey team will be released.
On Thursday, the Sports Assistance Foundation posted this statement online:
“As a community support charity in St. Albert, the Sports Assistance Foundation is very disappointed in the occurrences of bullying in the dressing rooms of St. Albert Minor Hockey. Occurrences such as these make families hesitant to put their children in organized sports, as it costs a lot of their hard earned money. For a family, playing hockey can cost them thousands of dollars, and it is imperative for children to be safe and have fun.
“We request that St. Albert Minor Hockey, Hockey Alberta, and Hockey Canada put in measures that prevent this from happening. We also would like St. Albert RCMP to complete a full investigation into this matter.”
Comments