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WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg hockey coach is facing a slew of charges after police allege she sexually assaulted and exploited a player. 

The alleged offences happened over a two-year period when the female coach was in her 20s and the female complainant was in her teens, police said Friday. 

Investigators allege the assaults began while the complainant was being coached by the woman and they continued after the girl stopped playing hockey.

"This wasn't just limited to a rink scenario. This was a relationship that extended after hours over the course of this time with solitary meetings between the two people," said Const. Dani McKinnon, public information officer with Winnipeg police. 

The accused was a coach with Hockey Manitoba from 2018 to this year.

Police received information last month from someone within the hockey community about a "sexually exploitive relationship" that occurred between an adult hockey coach and a player between 2019 and 2021.

Investigators learned that the accused allegedly forged an inappropriate sexual relationship by "grooming and gaining the trust" of the girl, police said. 

Madison Biluk, 28, has been charged with 15 offences, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, luring a person under the age of 16 and possession of child pornography. She was released with conditions.

Hockey Canada and its affiliate Hockey Manitoba said in a statement the two organizations became aware of the "alleged sexually exploitative relationship" through a video circulating online.

The organizations then notified police and Hockey Canada's independent group that investigates maltreatment complaints. 

"We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and the individual is ineligible to participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs, including as a coach, guest coach or volunteer while the complaint process is ongoing," the statement said. 

The organizations did not provide further comment, citing the ongoing investigations. 

McKinnon said these investigations are difficult for all involved.

"Sport is supposed to be safe. So, it's difficult for the entire community," she said. 

She also called the girl a "phenomenal person."

"This is a very brave action. She took some steps on her own to reach out to the public, to some family member, and then eventually has spoken with police," she said. 

McKinnon said they aren't speaking with any other potential complainants at this time.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 10, 2023. 

The Canadian Press