{coyotes} Sexual assault charges dropped against hockey trio

 

Charges of sexual assault have been dropped against three members of the Soo Greyhounds hockey team.

Philadelphia Flyers 2011 third-round pick Nick Cousins, 19, and Phoenix Coyotes 2011 sixth-round pick Andrew Fritsch, 20, and Mark Petaccio, 19, were all present in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom Thursday morning when all charges were dropped, according to the Sault Star.

A report from sootoday.com says the charges were dropped on the condition that the three players not communicate with their accuser or come with in 500 meters of her home, place of work or school.

For months court dates were pushed back on the case that originated last summer when a woman, who said he knew all three players, filed a police report after a party at one of the players' houses. Each player turned himself in later that day to Sault Ste. Marie authorities.

The players participated in a 10-day "behavioral wellness program" before joining the Soo Greyhounds this season. The Greyhounds' season ended on March 31 in Game 6 of an Ontario Hockey League playoff series against the Owen Sound Attack.

Ryan Alderson, Cousins' linemate and roommate with the Greyhounds, signed a contract with the Adirondack Phantoms earlier this week. He told the Glens Falls Post-Star that Cousins will also sign a contract with the Phantoms and join the team this weekend. The Phantoms have nine games remaining in their schedule.

Cousins tweeted:

"Wow ! Tough 8 months for myself and my family. Glad to say that it is finally over ! Would like to thank my family, friends, billets and obviously the Soo Greyhounds organization for the support along the way. As well as my lawyer Bruce Wilson. I will never forget my time in Sault Ste Marie. Best hockey town to be apart of. Now off to Adirondack to join the Phantoms !!!"

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