The University of Ottawa has suspended its men’s varsity hockey team after allegations of a gang sexual assault in Thunder Bay.

Sources told the Sun the incident occurred while the team was playing games at Lakehead University in the northern Ontario city.

The GeeGees were most recently at Thunder Bay on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

The alleged victim is a young woman who was acquainted with one of the Ottawa players.

Sources say “several” other players were involved in the sexual assault, but so far no arrests have been made and no charges have been laid.

The victim has not been co-operating with police in Thunder Bay, who are leading the investigation.

They confirmed Monday afternoon their officers were investigating a sexual assault accusation.

The incident came to light when a “third party” informed senior management of the sports services department at the University of Ottawa on Feb. 24.

“This is serious, this is a serious allegation,” said spokesman Patrick Charette.

“We immediately informed police, we started an internal review, we were asked not to communicate until today and that’s what we’re doing now.”

He wouldn’t say how many individuals were implicated in the gang sexual assault accusation.

Both the delay and the fact that the complaint came third-hand, drew the ire of university officials Monday afternoon.

“This is our top priority,” said Charette. “The incident occurred several weeks ago. The university is deeply concerned that senior management was only informed of the incident on Feb. 24 — and then, by a third-party. This will be among the questions answered during our internal review.”

Charette said no information about the incident will be released, citing privacy laws.

Students seem prepared to reserve judgement when further investigation is completed.

“I don’t think this is a reflection of the University of Ottawa as a whole,” said Rachelle Binette. “My experiences here have only been positive.”

She said she attends classes with members of the hockey team and has never found them to be sexually aggressive or violent towards women.

“The guys I know are actually quite fantastic. I wouldn’t expect this from them,” Binette said.

A student stood nearby, listening to Charette speak to reporters.

“We’re just seeing what lies are being told,” he said, refusing to talk further or give his name.

“The University has high expectations of all our students and staff,” said Charette.

“The alleged misconduct is not in keeping with the values that are at the heart of athletics and student life on campus.”

doug.hempstead@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @DougHempstead

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