Coquitlam Express goalie coach charged with sexual assault; team cuts ties

A coach who worked with hockey goalies on multiple teams and leagues over 25 years is accused of committing a range of sexual offences, the New Westminster Police Department announced.

Ronald Veit, 58, has been charged with sexual interference, sexual exploitation, and sexual assault.

The alleged crimes took place between 2008 and 2012 at or near Coquitlam, Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, and Burnaby.

After the charges were announced, the Coquitlam Express fired Veit.

“While these charges are not related to his time with our organization, the safety and well-being of our players, families, and community remains our highest priority,” the team stated in a release.

Veit was arrested and subsequently released on several conditions. He is still allowed to coach hockey provided his work is conducted in the presence of other adults.

Veit is not permitted to have any contact or communication with people under the age of 18, “unless in the presence of their parent or guardian or in the course of commercial interaction in a public place or skating rink,” the release stated.

Veit is not permitted to go to parks, community centres, schools, or playgrounds with the exception of skating rinks.

New Westminster police encouraged anyone with information on the charges to come forward.

“We understand the challenges victims face in reporting such incidents and want to reassure the public that we take these matters very seriously and resources and support are available,” stated New Westminster Police Department Sgt. Andrew Leaver in a release.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the police at 604-529-2430.

None of the charges have been proven in court.