Jordin Tootoo released a statement Saturday saying that he does not recall knowing or hearing about an alleged group sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2003 men’s world junior hockey championship team.
Tootoo is one of three players from that team to deny involvement in the sexual assault that allegedly happened in Halifax during the 2003 tournament.
Carlo Colaiacovo and P.A. Parenteau have also denied any involvement in or knowledge of the assault.
Tootoo, Colaiacovo and Parenteau say they will fully co-operate with Halifax police in their investigation.
Editor’s Note: The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here.
Halifax police said they were opening an investigation into an alleged group sexual assault said to have taken place in 2003.
Constable John MacLeod said in a statement issued on Friday that Halifax Regional Police received a report Thursday night related to the alleged incident.
“It is not our practice to provide information in relation to individuals involved in investigations unless charges have been laid and sworn before the courts,” MacLeod said in the statement. “We take all matters of this nature very seriously and will be conducting a thorough investigation.”
News of the investigation emerged shortly after Hockey Canada revealed in a statement Friday it had learned of the allegations upon being contacted by TSN’s Rick Westhead Thursday evening. Upon learning of the “deeply disturbing” allegations, the organization said it contacted Halifax Regional Police (Halifax co-hosted the 2003 world junior championship) and notified Sport Canada.
Hockey Canada said in its statement that “Westhead informed Hockey Canada he has spoken to multiple witnesses who provided him with explicit descriptions of an assault, following an interview with Conservative MP John Nater, who is in possession of the same or similar information.”
Hockey Canada said that before learning of the alleged incident, staff had “heard a rumour about ‘something bad at the 2003 World Juniors'” but did not have details. They reported that information to Sport Canada and hired a third-party investigator, which was “unable to learn anything” before being contacted by TSN.
Also on Friday, the NHL issued a statement to Sportsnet regarding the allegations: “We were made aware earlier today of the horrific allegations against members of the 2002-03 Canadian National Junior Team. The National Hockey League will look into the allegations and will respond appropriately.” Almost all of the members of the 2003 Canadian team went on to play in the NHL. An NHLPA spokesman did not provide a comment when contacted by Sportsnet.
The remainder of Hockey Canada’s statement:
“We believe the alleged incident from 2003 should be investigated by the authorities, and we urge the police to open an investigation into this disturbing situation. Hockey Canada will cooperate with and support the authorities in every way we can, and we once again urge anyone who may have relevant information about this alleged incident to contact Halifax police immediately.
“Hockey Canada wants to hear from anyone – past or present – who feels they are the victim of mistreatment, sexual violence, harassment or abuse by someone affiliated with our organization. You can reach out via the Canadian Sport Helpline, a free, anonymous, confidential and independent service in both official languages: 1-888-837 7678 or info@abuse-free-sport.ca. We also encourage anyone who may need support to reach out to one of the many victim resource services across Canada. A general listing of resources in this area is available on the website of the Canadian Resource Centre for the Victims of Crime at crcvc.ca.”
