Nova Scotia town holds rally for students alleging assault by hockey teammates

About 100 people gathered outside a Truro-area junior high to support students who reported alleged assaults by teammates; RCMP have charged four youths and two accused are scheduled to appear in Youth Justice Court on April 14.

Parents and students gathered outside Bible Hill Junior High in the Truro area to support students who reported alleged assaults by teammates on a minor hockey team. RCMP said a report was made on Jan. 30 and investigators gathered multiple statements. Hockey Nova Scotia reported the matter to police and child-welfare agencies, and the youth team has been suspended. What is known: - Four youths have been charged; identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. - RCMP say a report was made on Jan. 30 and that alleged incidents took place last fall; investigators collected multiple statements. - Police have imposed conditions on two accused, including no-contact orders and restrictions on entering public dressing rooms unless accompanied by an adult. - Hockey Nova Scotia notified RCMP and Hockey Canada's Independent Third Party, and the team name was removed from the league website. Summary: Some community members say students have stayed home and access to certain school washrooms and locker rooms has been limited since the charges were announced. Authorities have said there may be other victims and that those harmed can come forward. The next scheduled legal step is a Youth Justice Court appearance in Truro on April 14.