Mt. Ararat ice hockey team violated hazing policies, investigation says

An investigation into Mt. Ararat High School’s boys ice hockey team has found student athletes participated in hazing, bullying and sexually inappropriate conduct.A summary report of the investigation conducted by Brann & Isaacson says 31 people were interviewed in the investigation, some more than once. According to the summary report, the investigation initially focused on two alleged incidents, but a broader pattern of potential student misconduct was revealed through student athlete interviews. MSAD 75 announced the investigation back in January. The team’s coach resigned in February.The investigation found unjustified use of physical aggression or intimidation. The report says the investigation revealed a pattern of behavior of using homophobic language, intentional urination on teammates, and inappropriate sexual behavior to humiliate others.”A significant number of team members credibly reported witnessing some or all of the misconduct described above and candidly described a team culture markedly more negative and uncomfortable than prior years, permeated with disrespectful behavior, and lacking accountability,” the summary said.The report also says student interviews described a team culture that was more negative and uncomfortable than in years passed.”We understand that the behaviors and events described in the summary are very troubling. We ask you to remember that the individuals involved are still children,” said Amy Spelke, chair of the MSAD 75 school board. This isn’t the first case of hazing within the year. An independent investigation found a culture of hazing within Lisbon High School’s Football Team earlier this year.

TOPSHAM, Maine —

An investigation into Mt. Ararat High School’s boys ice hockey team has found student athletes participated in hazing, bullying and sexually inappropriate conduct.

A summary report of the investigation conducted by Brann & Isaacson says 31 people were interviewed in the investigation, some more than once. According to the summary report, the investigation initially focused on two alleged incidents, but a broader pattern of potential student misconduct was revealed through student athlete interviews.

MSAD 75 announced the investigation back in January. The team’s coach resigned in February.

The investigation found unjustified use of physical aggression or intimidation. The report says the investigation revealed a pattern of behavior of using homophobic language, intentional urination on teammates, and inappropriate sexual behavior to humiliate others.

“A significant number of team members credibly reported witnessing some or all of the misconduct described above and candidly described a team culture markedly more negative and uncomfortable than prior years, permeated with disrespectful behavior, and lacking accountability,” the summary said.

The report also says student interviews described a team culture that was more negative and uncomfortable than in years passed.

“We understand that the behaviors and events described in the summary are very troubling. We ask you to remember that the individuals involved are still children,” said Amy Spelke, chair of the MSAD 75 school board.

This isn’t the first case of hazing within the year. An independent investigation found a culture of hazing within Lisbon High School’s Football Team earlier this year.