The RCMP did not specify the nature of the allegation or who is being investigated. They said in a statement that Kelowna’s vulnerable persons division is leading the investigation, which includes people under the age of 18.
The CBC has confirmed that the investigation relates to complaints from a father who claims his son, his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s daughter were allegedly molested. The father said he withdrew his son from the Okanagan HC after complaints made to the club and owner Rod Hume were ignored. “I asked repeatedly to meet with him and have a plan of action on how he would keep my child safe … and he refused to do it,” the man said. The CBC requested an interview with Hume on Thursday, a day before the RCMP announced the investigation. Hume responded with an emailed statement that reads in part: “We take the complaint seriously and, in consultation with the Junior Prospects Hockey League, are engaging an independent law firm to conduct an independent investigation… Any violations of our Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct will be dealt with under the terms set out outside the policy, up to and including the suspension or dismissal of a player.” Statement from JPHL. pic.twitter.com/tIy5mnaFmy —@JrProspectsHL The CBC contacted the Okanagan HC for comment after Kelowna RCMP opened the investigation and was told in an email to refer to another statement by Hume. “While the RCMP has not contacted the Okanagan Hockey Club, we will cooperate fully with any investigation,” the statement said. “We do not condone any form of bullying or harassment and recognize the importance of creating a culture that fosters learning and development in a safe environment for all players.” Okanagan HC is one of 10 clubs in the newly formed Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), which operates divisions in the under-14, under-15 and under-18 age groups. The JPHL is non-sanctioned, meaning it operates outside of BC Hockey and Hockey Canada rules, regulations and oversight. The league is owned by Alberta-based Silent Ice Sports and Entertainment. Former NHLer Ryan Smyth is listed as one of four executive directors on the Silent Ice website. On October 31, JPHL released a statement on Twitter saying it was aware of an anonymous group that had been the subject of alleged violations of JPHL’s code of conduct. “We will not sit idly by these concerns and are undertaking a rigorous and detailed investigation. We will comment once we have completed our findings,” it said.