Bernie Lynch (Fort Frances Lakers photo)
REGINA, Sask. Former Fort Frances Lakers coach Bernie Lynch has been charged in connection with a historic sexual assault.
Regina police on Wednesday issued a release stating Lynch, 66, appeared in court earlier in the day to face charges of assault and sexual assault related to an incident that allegedly took place in 1988.
Lynch was hired last year to coach the Lakers, but was suspended by the team and later fired after allegations of inappropriate texts sent to a player on the team. Hockey Canada opened an investigation at the time.
Regina police said they acted on a complaint alleging the accused committed the assaults on a male youth in Regina, 33 years ago. At the time Lynch was a hockey coach, and was introduced to the alleged victim, a 17-year-old male youth.
Kenora, ON, Canada / 89.5 The Lake
May 5, 2021 | 5:23 PM
The former coach of the Fort Frances Lakers now faces criminal charges as part of a historic sexual assault investigation.
The Regina Police Service confirm 66 year-old Bernie Lynch made his first appearance before Provincial Court in Regina Wednesday on charges of assault and sexual assault in connection with an investigation into a sexual assault alleged to have occurred in 1988.
In April 2021, the Regina Police Service received a report alleging offences committed by an adult on a young man in Regina, in 1988.
Police say at that time, the alleged offender held a position of authority as a hockey coach, and it was through this position that he was introduced to the victim, who was 17 years old at the time.
Posted: Apr 15, 2021 2:00 PM ET | Last Updated: April 15
Bernie Lynch, who has coached in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, was fired by the Fort Frances Lakers of the Superior International Junior Hockey League over concerns about inappropriate emails and conduct.(Fortfranceslakers.com)
WARNING: This story contains content that some readers may find disturbing or offensive.
A veteran junior hockey coach who was fired from his Ontario job in March for sending inappropriate texts and emails to one of his players is now under investigation by police in two other provinces as authorities look into allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
Photo: Clinton Bruyere (Provided, Fort Frances Lakers)
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