A group of three teenagers was arrested on charges of alleged sexual assault related to the harassment of a hockey team, according to Manitoba RCMP.

RCMP said in a press release on Tuesday that the three are accused of sexual assaults on five victims aged 15 to 16 years.

RCMP stated in the press release that the three teenagers were arrested on Monday – two on charges of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, and forcible confinement, and one on a charge of sexual assault.

Sgt. Richard Schering of the Major Crimes Unit of RCMP in Winnipeg said in an interview, "It is very important for youth or individuals involved in harassment incidents to know that their actions can lead to very serious consequences."

"Everyone involved in sports should be able to do so in a safe environment."

RCMP said the arrests are related to alleged harassment during the Pembina Valley High School hockey team's trips to Winnipeg to participate in tournaments last winter.

The police stated that the teenagers assaulted their teammates in one of the Winnipeg hotels in November and January, and the police were notified of these allegations on February 20.

RCMP said that all victims and accused are male hockey players in the Prairie Spirit School Division, and that the victims were novices.

The three accused teenagers have been released and are scheduled to appear in Winnipeg court on June 10.

Charges have not yet been formally laid, but RCMP is working with the Crown attorney's office and hopes they will be laid before the court date.

Schering said that the principal of one of the schools reported these allegations to Pembina Valley RCMP after being informed by one of the coaches.

Schering noted that investigators traveled to schools to speak with members of the hockey team and others who have information about what happened.

"Talk to someone you trust."

RCMP pointed out that they did not mention the name of the team to protect the identities of the young participants.

Schering encourages anyone involved in youth sports to speak up about such incidents.

He said, "If you're not comfortable doing it yourself... go to someone you trust," "It's okay to talk about what happened and to come forward."

He noted that RCMP is trying to help youth feel that they are in a safe environment.

"Team building is one thing, but crossing boundaries and putting people in positions where they are vulnerable is another."

Chad Falk, executive director of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association, said they are monitoring the situation and will provide support to the school division, but the association cannot say much about the case currently before the courts.

Falk said in a statement via email, "The primary concern of the association is the safety and well-being of all student-athletes involved."

"These allegations are deeply concerning, and we take them seriously."