An Oakville man who was a minor hockey coach is facing charges in connection with allegations of sexual offences.

An investigation conducted by the Halton Regional Police’s Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit (CASA) culminated in an arrest last week.

The suspect was a coach with the Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA) for the 2016-17 season and has been associated with the league in various capacities since 2014, according to police.

Investigators say victims of the alleged sexual offences were males under 16.

The police investigation related to allegations of sexual touching, indecent acts, making sexually explicit material available to persons under 16 years and threats.

Police reported Friday, May 5, the MOHA has been advised.

Investigators confirmed the accused has been suspended from coaching duties.

A statement released Friday, by the hockey club, stated, "On Friday May 5, 2017 the Oakville Rangers Hockey Club (ORHC formerly MOHA) was made aware of a serious situation involving a member of its association." It indicated the member was a former player within the association and more recently had been acting in the capacity of a young and developing coach within the House League system.

"We as an association are shocked and saddened by the allegations which have been brought forward ... and are co-operating fully with the authorities at this time," it stated, adding, the ORHC has also removed the member in all capacities from the association pending the outcome of this matter.

"The ORHC takes the safety and well-being of its membership very seriously employing a diligent screening process for all individuals who work directly with youth aged membership. Within this screening process is a mandate that all volunteers must provide a valid police clearance including a vulnerable sector check in addition to respect in sport and age specific coach training," read the statement.