NHL Player Ian Cole Accused Of Grooming And Sexually Abusing Minor

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking into a woman’s accusation that NHL player Ian Cole groomed and sexually abused her when she was a minor in High School.

Twitter user Emily_Smith3333 posted a message on Twitter on Friday, accusing Cole of assaulting her when she was in high school.

My statement on being groomed and sexually abused by Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL player Ian Cole. @TBLightning @NHL #tampabaylightning #Canes #NHL #IanCole pic.twitter.com/IJ438bhodt

— Emily Smith (@emily_smith3333) October 7, 2022

On Sunday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that Cole has been suspended pending the results of an NHL-led investigation.

Cole denies the allegations.

Statement from Ian Cole, via agent pic.twitter.com/nZdzooKh60

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 10, 2022

According to The Athletic’s Katie Strang, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league is aware of the accusations and is looking deeper into them.

NHL is aware of the allegations of grooming and sexual assault involving Ian Cole. According to deputy commissioner Bill Daly, the league is looking into them.

— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) October 9, 2022

The Lightning issued this statement on Sunday night:

pic.twitter.com/kT8sz0nFTl

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 10, 2022

It appears that Ian Cole has gone ‘private’ on Twitter and will not issue any more comments until the NHL completes its investigation.