Police have launched an investigation into allegations of harassment and cyberbullying at a West Kelowna hockey program in the fledgling Junior Prospect Hockey League. “Kelowna RCMP began an investigation after receiving information on Thursday, November 3, 2022, regarding inappropriate behavior at a West Kelowna hockey organization,” said a news release from the Kelowna RCMP on Friday. “The investigation is being handled by the Kelowna Vulnerable Persons Unit due to the nature of the allegation and that it involves people under the age of 18.” Castanet first reported James Kellett’s allegations on November 1. The complaints include mischief and what Kellett called sexual harassment involving cyberbullying and other violations in the office, most of which occurred during a road trip between Sept. 20 and 25 in Edmonton. “My son was pulled into a room after my ex-wife filed a complaint about the row that happened on a road trip … and told not to tell his parents about team issues and he has to come to the coach,” said Kellett. said Castanet News. “I don’t want to be the whistleblower but, at the same time, I’m sick of what I’ve seen in the West Kelowna hockey community. It needs reform and this is a prime example.” Rod Hume, who runs the Okanagan HC program for the company that also owns the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors, says they are trying to investigate the allegations. “We had a meeting set up for last Thursday and he decided to withdraw his son from the program the previous Monday,” Hume said. “I tried to have two meetings with the player and he didn’t show up.” Hume has also vehemently denied allegations of harassment in the U15 team. “These are all fake. I think they might be from some other team. There’s no fuss. One of our assistant coaches is an RCMP officer. That doesn’t happen at our facility.” RCMP are asking anyone with information to come forward or call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
