Flyers prospect Cousins one of several Sault players accused of sexual assault

Shocking news out of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where several Greyhound players, among them Flyers prospect Nick Cousins, have apparently been charged with sexual assault.

Cousins, 19, totaled 35 goals and 88 points in 65 games for the Soo last season, his third full year in Canadian juniors. Philadelphia selected the left-handed shooting center with the 68th pick (third round) of the 2011 draft.

The Greyhounds issued a statement regarding the incident late on Saturday:

"Earlier today our organization was made aware of accusations involving three members of our hockey program.

Over the course of time that each of these players has been part of our program we have seen each of them make excellent strides both on and off the ice. The strides made over each young man’s tenure here are what makes today’s situation so surprising.

Our Hockey Club will continue to perform our duty in supporting the three members of our team as they go through the legal process. Our Hockey Club will now allow the legal process to run its due course at this time. We will also continue to support the investigation of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services in any way possible."

And from a statement on the web site of the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario police department: 

"On the 25^th of August 2012, three males have been charged with an offence as to a female known to them.  Charged with sexual assault is 19 year old Brian Nicholas Cousins of 41 Meadowvale Avenue in Belleville, Ontario, 19 year old Andrew Douglas Fritsch of 11 Stymie Boulevard in Brantford, Ontario and 18 year old Mark Anthony Petaccio of 61 New Brooklyn Road in Sicklerville, New Jersey.  Brian Nicholas Cousins and Andrew Douglas Fritsch have been scheduled for court October 1, 2012.  Mark Anthony Petaccio will appear in bail court on Monday, August 27, 2012."

Cousins, who also played one game for the Adirondack Phantoms last season, has racked up 75 goals and 113 assists in 200 regular-season games in the OHL over the last three campaigns.

On Sunday afternoon, the Flyers finally issued their own update, courtesy of General Manager Paul Holmgren: "We are aware of the unfortunate situation involving Nick Cousins. Due to lack of information available to us, we will not comment at this time."