Cabri hockey coach Ryan Chamberlin pleads guilty to sexual assault

ACabri, Sask.hockey coach has pleaded guilty tosexual assault.

Ryan Chamberlin, 39, was originally facing 10sex-related charges, but he pleaded guilty to four of themon Monday in a Swift Current court.

Chamberlin was originally arrested in February after a victimcame forward to RCMP allegingan inappropriate interaction with the man.

According to Crown Prosecutor Steve Kritzer, the 14-year-old boy was being abused by Chamberlin at the time he came forward. RCMPadded more charges when three more victims came forward in late March.One victim had been abused as far back as 1994.

All of the victims were boys aged 13 or 14 at the time of the abuse, Kritzer said.Two victims met Chamberlinthrough his work asa coach. Heworked with severalteams in southern Saskatchewan andRCMPencouraged parents to speak with children who may have had contact with Chamberlin after his first arrest.

The 14-year-old boy and his mom both delivered victim impact statements in court. The mother commented on her son's bravery and heroism for coming forward about his abuse.

Kritzertold CBC Newsthe boy has been in touch with formerNHL player Sheldon Kennedy to talk about the assault. Kennedy was a victim of sexual assault himselfat the hands of Graham James while he played hockey for the Swift Current Broncos.

The court also heardthis was notChamberlin'sfirst conviction for sexual assault. He served fourmonths in prison in 1998.

Chamberlin will be sentenced on three counts of sexual assaultand one lesser chargeon May 6. The Crown is asking for five years in prison and a lifetime on the sex offender registry.