OHL releases strongly worded statement regarding recent sexual assault charges leveled against players

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has responded to sexual assault allegations involving players from 2014. A CTV report details a woman's claim of being assaulted by multiple players during a visit to a billet home.

The OHL stated that it first learned of the allegations on Wednesday and is cooperating with any police investigation. The league expressed its support for victims and emphasized the importance of justice.

The Statement reads:

"The Ontario Hockey League is aware of a CTV report of a sexual assault alleged to have been committed by players in November 2014. The OHL first learned of these allegations on Wednesday, and had no previous knowledge of the alleged event."

"The League takes allegations of this nature very seriously and will cooperate with any corresponding police investigation. The League recognizes the courage required for victims of sexual assault to come forward with their experiences, and would always desire to see justice served and perpetrators held to account."

The League also mentioned its ongoing educational program, OHL ONSIDE, which has promoted respectful relationships and responsible behavior for nearly a decade. The program includes mandatory annual workshops and is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres.

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OHL incident as reported by crime reporter Rick Westhead

The Ontario Provincial Police admitted a mistake when an employee didn't follow proper procedure after a sexual assault report. Anne Marie, 22 at the time, says eight players assaulted her in November 2014.

She was invited to watch TV by a 19-year-old player but found eight players aged 16 to 19 in the basement. Anne Marie explained, per Rick Westhead:

“I was taken into a bathroom. And that's when the player who invited me over began... starting sexual acts. They never closed the bathroom door fully… And then next thing I know more players start coming in. There’s players standing and watching. They start taking their turns, doing whatever it is they want.”

Anne Marie didn't report the assault until this year, believing it was her fault.

“I never told anyone because I thought it was my fault." Anne Marie said. "I thought I was the one that was responsible because I had made the choice to go hang out with this guy and a buddy… I did what I could to just forget it, not think about it, wipe it away. But it just built up inside in the back of my brain...”

She kept silent for years, trying to forget but eventually decided to come forward.