Sexual assault charges against Cousins, two others withdrawn

Things are looking up for Flyers prospect Nick Cousins, whose path towards continuing his professional career took a huge upswing on Thursday.

In a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom this morning, according to Northern Ontario sportswriter Brad Coccimiglio, all charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault this past Summer have been dropped.

In addition, Soo Today reported the three men  "agree to keep the peace, not communicate with the alleged victim or come with in 500 metres of her home, place of work or place of school."

Also in the clear are Soo Greyhounds forward Andrew Fritsch and Ottawa 67's forward Mark Petaccio.

As The Phanatic reported back in late August, the trio were arraigned in the small Ontario town directly north of its Michigan counterpart on charges by a female which was known to all parties.

On Wednesday, Cousins' teammate Brandon Alderson signed an ATO with the Adirondack Phantoms and reported to Glens Falls after clearing up outstanding visa issues. According to the Post-Star, Cousins is flying into Toronto tonight and will know more about his potential arrival in Glens Falls tomorrow, according to texts from Alderson.

The 19-year-old Belleville, Ontario native has lit up the OHL this season, striking for 76 assists and 103 points in 64 regular-season games. He is expected to join the Phantoms as early as this weekend.

Fritsch put together a 27-goal, 52-point effort with the situation hanging over his head this year, while Petaccio, a Sicklerville, NJ native who was shipped from The Soo to Ottawa during the year, combined for seven goals and 10 points in 50 contests.

Cousins provided confirmation on his Twitter account, saying "Obviously the Soo Greyhounds organization for the support along the way. As well as my lawyer Bruce Wilson . I will never forget my time in Sault Ste Marie. Best hockey town to be apart of. Now off to Adirondack to join the Phantoms !!!"