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Sentences Awaited for Two Former Quebec Major Junior Hockey Players Convicted of Sexual Assault
A Quebec judge is scheduled to announce the sentences in July for two ex-Quebec major junior hockey players who admitted to sexually assaulting a minor in June 2021 at a hotel during a celebratory event after their team’s championship victory. These two individuals, Nicolas Daigle and Massimo Siciliano, both aged 21, pleaded guilty last October to the assault of a 17-year-old girl during the early hours of June 6, 2021. Moreover, Daigle specifically admitted to the additional charges of videotaping and displaying the incident.
At the time of the offense, both perpetrators were involved with the Victoriaville Tigres in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, shortly after the team had secured the President’s Cup Trophy on June 5, 2021. The victim’s identity remains guarded due to a publication ban but was working as a staff member at a hotel in the Quebec City vicinity where the team was accommodated during the 2021 playoffs season. The victim initially only accompanied Daigle to his hotel room, but she found Siciliano present as well, leaving her feeling trapped before enduring a 40-minute assault by the pair.
Although the defense is requesting community service and probation as a penalty, the prosecution is advocating for a sentence of 36 months for Siciliano and a range of 39 to 42 months for Daigle. According to prosecutor Michel Bérubé, considering the circumstances of the case, community service is deemed unfair and disproportionate.
During a recent sentencing hearing in Quebec City, the victim detailed the significant impact of the assault on her life through a written statement, while both culprits expressed regret for their actions during their testimonies. Quebec court Judge Thomas Jacques is expected to deliberate and issue the final decision on July 8.
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