A former Prince Albert Northern Bears Hockey Club manager is facing criminal charges for alleged sexual misconduct.
Court records confirmed that Jamie Engen, 38, made a first court appearance on Oct. 31 and was scheduled to make a second appearance on Nov. 27.
The Herald requested further court documents but did not receive a response as of press time.
The Northern Bears are a Midget AAA girls’ hockey team that plays in the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League.
According to media reports, Engen has been charged with sexual exploitation. The Criminal Code defines that charge as an authority figure touching the body of a young person for a sexual purpose or inviting, counselling or inciting a young person to touch the body of someone else, including the authority figure, for a sexual purpose.
Sentences for sexual exploitation can range from 90 days to 14 years in prison. The charges haven’t been tested in court.
According to CTV, the charge was laid on Oct. 20 and Engen was released from the team on Oct. 27. Engen is also a former Prince Albert Minor Hockey board member.
According to PANow and the Canadian Press, Team President Laura Quesnel said in a statement that the team became aware of an “unfortunate incident” on Oct. 21 and “appropriate actions were taken.”
The organization is working to provide support to ensure the wellbeing of the players and of the team.
