Peterborough Huskies Coach, Families & Team Members In Shock After Charges Laid Against Co-Founders

Team members of the Peterborough Huskies—a special needs hockey team that has captured the heart of the city and beyond—are in shock and reeling after the news that its co-founders Dave Tuck and Catherine Tuck have been charged with fraud over $5,000 following an investigation into the misuse of funds from this local non-profit organization.

"Earlier in 2016, the Peterborough Police Service’s Fraud Unit began an investigation involving the co-accused fraudulently obtaining and using funds for personal use that had been donated to a Peterborough based non-profit organization," according to a police media release. "The total fraud is in excess of $5,000." The co-accused were held in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (November 3rd).

Longtime Peterborough Huskies Head Coach Chris (J-Boy) Williams tells PTBOCanada he and the team are in complete shock, and trying to pick up the pieces after this devastating news.

"What a kick in the teeth," Coach Williams says. "I am trying to figure out what the next move is and how to keep the team on the ice. We have a lot of understandably upset parents and players right now."

Peterborough Huskies coach Chris J-Boy Williams with one of players

Williams tells PTBOCanada he is trying to figure out a way to save the team, which has changed the lives of so many special needs kids in the community:

"I think we will most definitely need to do something to keep this going," he says. "I am going to try and find out if we have any money left, how much ice time is paid for, etc. I'm going to say no money and no ice time which is so sad for the players. I've received messages from players that can't comprehend what's going on."

The Peterborough Huskies were set to host a Special Needs International Hockey tournament next year in Peterborough which would bring dozens of teams and thousands of families to the city, and that, too, is now very much in jeopardy, Coach Williams tells PTBOCanada.

"I'm really concerned about whether that tournament can happen now," he says, adding, "I've reached out to the VP of Special Needs International for advice."

For now, Coach Williams is hoping someone in the community will step up with money to help the players, volunteers and families save the team. This is about the kids and their needs and always has been for Coach Williams.

Right now, he and the team are at a loss for words.

Email Coach Williams here if you think you can help.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (ptbo_canada). Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.