Investigation Confirms HS Hockey Team Engaged in Hazing

An investigation into the hockey team at Mt. Ararat High School in Maine has confirmed allegations of hazing by some members of the team. 

According to WMTW, the school hired a law firm to launch an investigation in January after becoming aware of two possible hazing incidents in November and December.

The team's season was cancelled in February in light of the investigation. 

Attorneys at Brann & Isaacson interviewed 31 people during the course of their investigation. 

The report reveals verbal harassment and social media messages, the report details an incident in which one or more students pulled someone's pants down, grabbed them by the throat and pushed them into someone's groin while on a bus to a hockey game in Rockport. 

The report also states that at least one formal Title IX complaint regarding sexual harassment was dismissed because "the School District determined there is not sufficient evidence to satisfy the burden of proof."

An investigator hired by the district noted in the report that some of the witness testimony was credible and some was mixed.

Two senior players, along with the head coach and assistant coach, were suspended during the investigation.

District leaders said they plan to offer additional training to educate students and improve procedures for coaches and athletic staff.