A group of female Hamilton police officers who play together on a hockey team are facing an internal investigation after allegedly being caught cheating at a hockey tournament.

The women could face discipline under the Police Services Act after the team was allegedly caught using non-police players — playing under the assumed names of actual police members — at a police-only tournament in Brantford, according to sources not authorized to speak on the record.

Hamilton police could not be reached for comment.

The service does not comment on ongoing internal investigations, citing the Police Services Act, and officers who are not designated spokespersons can face discipline for speaking out of turn. Yet, according to multiple sources, this investigation has sparked a lot of talk among Hamilton officers.

The case also reveals a challenge faced by police officers; that they can face discipline for actions that violate their ethical code, even if the incident happens outside of work.

Organizers of the International Police Hockey Tournament, which was hosted by the Brantford Police Service Feb. 23 and 24 did not respond to requests for comment.

According to sources, others at the tournament recognized the non-police players and complained.

It's unclear why the non-police players were on the team, with some suggesting they were "ringers" brought in to help the women win, and others suggesting it was just a misunderstanding.

None of the officers are suspended or on administrative duty during the internal investigation.