Community rallies around young Brantford goalie after ‘extreme’ bullying
Posted Feb 5, 2025 05:33:14 AM.
Last Updated Feb 6, 2025 07:53:53 PM.
A minor hockey player in Brantford woke up one morning to a social media group chat, filled with hateful messages towards him, some even threatening his life.
It took social media by storm recently, with thousands reposting that they “stand with Tavin.”
Since then, Tavin Rollins quit being a goalie for the Brantford 99ers and has been taken on by the Warlords Hockey Academy instead.
His mother, Courtney Rawson was shocked and disgusted when they saw the group chat Jan. 13. She first called the Brantford Police before emailing the head coach and contacting a board member.
“These are 15-year-old boys, they’re not eight-year-olds, they know actually how to hurt somebody,” said Rawson. “It was nice to know there is a whole community out there that does care.”
Rawson mentioned that the police only gave six boys involved a warning, no charges were laid against them including two who threatened to rape and kill Tavin.
“When push came to shove, they gave them a warning. The coach couldn’t be bothered by it and the BMH board member was super helpful,” said Rawson.
Rawson wasn’t okay with that outcome though, she thinks more steps should have been taken by police with more severe consequences for threatening another youth.
“Bullying is very prevalent in minor hockey; it always has been. It just usually doesn’t get to this extreme,” Norman Proctor, President, Warlords Hockey Academy said.
Proctor received a message from Tavin’s mother last week, wanting to get him on a new team. Proctor had already seen the posts about what happened on social media before he spoke to her. Luckily the Warlords had a goalie move away so a space was open. They already had their roster filled but were able to get the approval they needed to get Tavin on the team.
“The other kids have welcomed him aboard just like he’s one of their own. It helped that a few of them have actually played with him in the past in Brantford,” Proctor mentioned.
“I have never seen it get to the point that this one had gotten to, where they rename a group Kill Tavin.”
Brantford Police Services are investigating the incident. A post on social media emphasized they take all allegations seriously, particularly those involving minors.
“Due to the involvement of young persons, we would like to remind the community that police are bound by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which limits the information we can disclose. However, we want to assure the community that we are aware of the situation and continue to dedicate the necessary resources.”
Rawson said when she first phone the police one of the officers told her, “boys will be boys,” which appalled the mother seeking help.
On Jan. 26, the Board of Directors for the Brantford Minor Hockey Association Community posted a media release regarding the discussions around extreme bullying circulating on social media. It says the organization is following Hockey Canada’s guidelines for addressing the incident.
“We understand that this topic brings up strong emotions, and we want to assure you that we feel the same. The trust you place in us as stewards of your children’s safety is not taken lightly, and we share in the collective concern for the situation.”
The incident is now being investigated by Safe Sport, which is used by minor league hockey and Hockey Canada as a third-party complaint system. Proctor mentioned it can take up to 150 days for an incident like this one to be investigated properly, and by that time, the season will be over.
Rawson mentioned that after the news broke of the extreme bullying, no parents on the Brantford 99er’s team reached out with an apology. Seeing the community wrap their support around her son made them feel heard and supported during a difficult time.
“I’ve never seen bullying progress to that level,” said Proctor.
Proctor mentioned that Tavin got a standing ovation during his first game playing for the Warlords, based in Woodstock. Hundreds came out to show support and watch the game.
“I imagine for him its a lot of nerves, but he actually stood out there and got a shut out on his first game. His second game he had a shut out with 5 minutes remaining, so he’s handled the pressure incredibly well to be honest,” said Proctor.
Rawson said that Tavin is doing okay now but is still contemplating why it all happened in the first place. She mentioned after his first game with the Warlords he was left with a giant smile.
“I’m super glad that he got back on the ice so quickly, I think if he had to sit for the rest of the season, he probably would have been done and probably wouldn’t have went back to hockey.”
