Former hockey player Gagné convicted of sexual assault!

Former hockey player Gagné convicted of sexual assault!

Gabriel Gagné, a 28-year-old former Tigres de Victoriaville player, is in the focus of reporting because of serious crimes. On October 2, 2025, he was sentenced to three years in prison, with Judge Marc-André Gauthier in Saint-Hyacinthe imposing a lighter sentence than the seven years requested by the prosecutor. The decision was based on Gagné's "good rehabilitation," which was evident in his behavior, as Monvicto reports.

Gagné was convicted of assaulting and threatening his then-partner and also has to answer for 28 months for another case of sexual violence. This behavior, which took place during a pool party in July 2016, is considered particularly worrying by psychologists. Another assessment rated his risk of reoffending as "moderate" or "above average", calling into question his future handling of legal pressure. However, the judge took into account the progress he has made in his therapy.

An explosive background

The sentence imposed now puts him behind bars for a total of five years and four months. Gagné was previously sentenced to six months in prison in 2023 for computer fraud. From 2012 to 2016, he played for the Tigres de Victoriaville, where he reached the playoffs three times before being drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the second round in 2015. His career in the American leagues and the East Coast Hockey League had to come to an abrupt end due to repeated legal problems, which marred the rise of a great talent.

The significance of the judge's decision raises questions, particularly in the context of current debates about the treatment of sex offenders. Data protection and tradition in legal proceedings often mean that such issues are not adequately addressed in society. In Germany, for example, 91 percent of victims of sexual crimes are identified as female, as Statista shows. It is an alarming trend, especially since there is a “high unreported number” of unreported cases.

Social responsibility

Gagné's case not only raises legal questions, but also addresses the social responsibility associated with violence against women and, in particular, sexual assault. The increasing numbers of sexual crimes in Germany – around 128,000 cases in 2024 – speak for themselves. A key focus is the need to increase sensitivity to such acts and create a culture of trust in which victims feel safe to report.

The case of Gabriel Gagné reminds us that someone who once shone on the ice can appear far less brilliant in society when it comes to the moral and legal consequences of his actions. The road to rehabilitation is a long one, and whether Gagné can successfully follow this path remains to be seen.