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.
Investigation into these allegations led to evidence sufficient to support charges.
Police say when initial efforts to locate the suspect were unsuccessful, the Regina Police Service requested a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest.
Lynch turned himself in to the RCMP in Devon, Alberta, on May 1.
In a statement to the CKDR Newsroom, a Regina Police spokesperson stated, “I would remind people that we will take every report seriously and investigate an allegation of a sexual assault (or any crime) to the best of our ability, within our authorities. It is never too late to come forward.”
Lynch was hired this past season 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.
Lynch is a 47 year coaching veteran in hockey in Canada, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Norway.
