A former youth hockey coach, Madison Biluk, is facing a proposed six-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a teenager. Biluk, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of luring in a case that shook the local sports community.
Details of the Abuse Case
Crown attorney Larissa Campbell presented the case against Biluk, emphasizing her predatory behavior. Biluk was aware of the victim’s vulnerabilities, including a history of depression and previous abuse while she perpetrated the sexual assaults over a year.
The abuse began when Biluk met the then-14-year-old victim during a hockey tryout in the spring of 2019. Throughout the 2019-20 season, Biluk maintained inappropriate relationships with players, raising concerns among other coaches about her behavior.
Escalation of Relationships
- They frequently communicated over social media, discussing homework and personal matters.
- Conversations shifted towards sexual topics, leading to increasing intimacy.
- In December 2019, Biluk initiated physical contact, which escalated to more serious sexual activities.
By February 2020, their relationship had evolved significantly, involving secretive and sexual communication. Biluk even recorded a sexual encounter with the victim during a rented Airbnb.
Impact on the Victim
The victim’s psychological well-being deteriorated due to the ongoing abuse. Following the conclusion of their relationship in June 2020, the victim struggled with emotional attachment and subsequent romantic relationships.
In early 2023, the victim made attempts to address her experiences with the abuse. She met another girl who had suffered similar grooming by Biluk. A TikTok video detailing her story led to an investigation by Winnipeg police.
Legal Proceedings
Biluk was arrested on November 9, 2023, after police scrutinized her actions based on the victim’s TikTok account. In her statement to law enforcement, she did not deny the sexual contact but claimed her intentions were misunderstood.
Upcoming Sentencing
The joint recommendation from both the prosecution and defense for a six-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime. Defense attorney Saul Simmonds acknowledged the gravity of the offenses, suggesting that the seriousness of the sentence underlines the impact of Biluk’s actions.
Biluk is set to be sentenced in March following an elbow surgery. Her recent coaching history, which included allegations of inappropriate behavior, indicates a pattern of misconduct.
As the case progresses, it highlights the significance of addressing abuse in sports settings and the lasting effects on victims.
