Police are investigating a possible assault involving minor league hockey players at an athletic club in North Vancouver.

Today (February 7), North Vancouver RCMP stated that on January 27 they received details about an alleged assault at the North Shore Winter Club (NSWC) that took place on December 10.

RCMP are taking statements from minor hockey club players, coaches, guardians, and parents.

No further details are being released by the RCMP as they continue to investigate the case.

The investigation announcement follows a February 6 report in the National Post that a head coach of the club quit in January after a dispute over disciplinary measures and that two players had been suspended from the club.

When the Georgia Straight contacted the NSWC, general manager Joanna Hayes informed the Straight that the club won’t be conducting interviews with media but sent a statement from the club, which included a timeline about the case.

The statement explains that on December 10, a parent told a coach that he believed his son was being targeted by two teammates. The coach suspended the two players and reported the case to the NSWC on December 11. The family requested the club to investigate the issue without contacting police.

On December 12, the NSWC formed a disciplinary committee to conduct an investigation, which included interviewing all 14 team players, and a full review and appeal process. The committee thereupon concluded that there were two bullying incidents.

Disciplinary measures against the two players included further suspension from team play, required letters of apology, and mandatory attendance at a professional antibullying session.

On January 7, a secondary committee was formed after an appeal was received. The two players were reinstated on January 17 and 27 after their suspensions were served. The NWSC stated that they believe the players learned from their actions and “we do not expect this to be repeated”.

As a result of the case, the NSWC is updating its bullying policy in their players’ code of conduct. The NSWC board has also appointed a committee to recommend improvements to policies and procedures for similar complaints.

The North Shore Winter Club, which has operated since 1958, is a family athletic club that offers hockey, swimming, racquet ball, and fitness, and is located at 1325 Keith Road East in North Vancouver.