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Yetman found guilty - Sentenced to two years less a day

Goalie Mark Yetman is shown here playing with the Concepn Bay North CeeBeee Stars

Goalie Mark Yetman is shown here playing with the Concepn Bay North CeeBeee Stars

Published on March 23, 2013
The Telegram
Published on March 23, 2013
Topics :
Brock University Badgers , Quebec Major Junior Hockey League , Conception Bay North CeeBee Stars , Ontario , Mount Pearl , Newfoundland

THE TELEGRAM

Local hockey star Mark Yetman was sentenced to two years less a day in prison in an Ontario courtroom Friday afternoon after he was found guilty of sexual assault stemming from an incident in December, 2009.

Yetman, of Mount Pearl, was guilty on two counts of sexual assault by a 12-person jury in St. Catharines, Ont., last October. He was not guilty on two counts of choking and one count of threatening.

The judge gave Yetman a choice Friday or two years in prison, or two years less a day. Yetman chose the latter, meaning it’s likely he will serve his sentence in Newfoundland.

Yetman was a goaltender for the Brock University Badgers hockey team when he was arrested in January, 2010, and charged after he and a friend met two women at a Brock campus bar in December, 2009.

According to media reports during the trial, Yetman’s lawyer, Peter Barr, argued the two women were willing participants, and charges stemmed from a night of what the lawyer termed, “rough sex”.

Crown attorney Gabriele Settimi said Yetman’s actions crossed the line, according to the St. Catharines Standard newspaper.

Yetman played three seasons with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Halifax Mooseheads before attending Brock.

Since the charges were laid, he has been living in Newfoundland where he played for the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts and Conception Bay North CeeBee Stars in the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League.

He backstopped the CeeBees to the Herder Memorial Trophy provincial championship earlier this month.

Comments

  • Username
    Disgusted
    - April 17, 2013 at 00:28:55

    It's embarrassing and despicable that so many people, on here are defending the perpretrator. Many so called "nice" people are capable of heinous things. Canada treats rape victims like utter crap. No wonder so many female rape victims commit suicide. Shame.

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    • Username
      MAINLANDER
      - April 23, 2013 at 14:05:08

      "DISGUSTED" - this isn't a rape case. There is a HUGE difference between the different levels of sexual assault so educate yourself about the "other side" before you make such an impactful comment.

    • Username
      Sarah
      - April 23, 2013 at 23:31:38

      you are right mainlander, THIS is not a rape case....it is just 'kinda rapey' since he kept having sex with these girls after they said no. Remind me of the definition of rape again? Though if this case remains a little cloudy I can point you and everyone else in the direction of a real rapist who got time for a real rape, just to help clarify the situation http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2013-04-10/article-3217348/More-prison-time-for-hockey-player-Mark-Yetman/1

  • Username
    MAINLANDER
    - March 26, 2013 at 17:37:58

    He is in jail therefore let's all relax. He is getting help therefore let's all relax. If you know his brothers, you know his family, his family is the best reflection of what and who a person is. Mark was ok'd by the legal system to return home, AND they even ok'd him to play hockey. If you think Mark is an asshole, fantastic! He probably wouldn't care as you are most likely a stranger. Everyone's entitled to their opinion but please people, keep it relevant. This isn't anything personal towards you so let's not make it personal towards mark. Legal situations like this are situational unless you're a repeat offender - Mark isn't and is taking measures to ensure he doesn't become one. Have a little faith in the legal system people - this situation didn't turn out the way I wanted it but I'm still confident in our system. It's these comments and people's incapacity to control their opinions through understanding and relevance that worries me!

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  • Username
    MAINLANDER
    - March 26, 2013 at 17:31:59

    It is completely fine for everyone to have their opinion on this topic - it's public knowledge for the court system to share, but I believe that we've all gotten a bit off topic. This article isn't about the Ceebees allowing this man to play on their team - if you're concerned about their standards or decision, contact them directly. I'd like to reiterate what some have already said but perhaps in a more clear and precise way: Mark Yetman was arrested and charged for this crime over 3 years ago. He was finally found guilty in October 2012 (5 months ago) and was sentenced this past Friday after his sentencing hearing being held over or postponed twice. We are all entitled to our opinions on sexual assailants, but please remember that A) the legal system exists so that "simpletons" with incredibly large opinions don't make the rules or the decisions; B) sexual assault can range from touching to rape - be mindful that nowhere does the media (perhaps because of a publication ban) say to what extreme these charges are. It can only be reflected in the sentence, which it has been; C) What I think is the most important point: I've encountered many people in my 20-odd years of life - many have liked me, many have not; I've had dealings with the law (good and bad, direct and indirect); I've been in sticky situations, I've been encountered by incredibly life altering situations that were both in and out of my control - I started exactly where Mark Yetman did with a very similar family and upbringing (I know this for a fact because Mark and I have been close friends since I was 4 years old) - and now we are in very different places. Does this mean I'm better than him because of the outcome? No. For those of us who have the privilege of knowing Mark as a friend, this nonsense conversation shouldn't bother us. We know better. I would very careful about how we judge situations we're not 100% educated about. I'm sure there are people who will always look down on Mark, just like there are people out there who will look down on me for things I've done. I'm sure there are people out there who haven't had great encounters with Mark, just like they've had with me. And I'm sure that if you knew Mark, you'd recognize that he is sitting in a detention centre with a bigger opinion on this against himself that any of you out there. But the one thing that differs between Mark and I is that I would feel sorry for myself. Mark doesn't. He is worried about his family and how they're holding up - He is worried about his future and reputation - He is working to make this right. So why don't we all take a step back and count our blessings, trust our legal system and the professionals that run it, and not get all fired up about a situation and a person we know very little about. Again, if it's the Ceebee's judgment on why Mark was allowed to play hockey, ask them! If you're disgusted at sexual assailants, very good! Join a group that will have impact rather than a bicker on "The Telegram" website. If you've had bad encounters with Mark in the past, that's too bad! I'm sure he's not the only bad experience you've had. And if you want to support Mark, great! Clearly this situation and trial happened for a reason. And clearly Mark was found guilty for a reason. Everyone, especially Mark, recognizes that. I'm not here to speak for Mark, but I'm here to speak as a friend and a well-educated, well read, well established member of society - it's too bad that all who were involved in this ordeal have now had their lives altered after one night, and I am confident that what is right and just will be. Happy reading!

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  • Username
    rick
    - March 25, 2013 at 20:26:43

    some of you people who read this article should try to understand what you are reading he was found guilty in ontario while waiting for his sentencing trial NL let him play hockey as a sexual predator who was found guilty.For you people who knew his brothers so what he is not one of his brothers.from other people outside this court case he was and is an asshole towards woman period and he needs help. He should never been playing hockey down here on the island and were he is right now is were he should be behind bars talking to a shrink and anger management crses NOT PLAYING HOCKEY

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  • Username
    Gloria
    - March 25, 2013 at 19:08:14

    Outrageous? What's outrageous is the verdict. Not guilty of the sexual assault but guilty of sexual assault?? The violence is what these girls complained about and he was found not guilty of that so what exactly did he do? Mark also had two witness' come to bat for him swearing that this didnt happen. Seems to me like they protected these girls. You obviously have never met Mark Yetman or you would know first hand that he didnt do this. Mark is seeing someone and is well respected across the province.Mark is one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and unless you witnessed this happen first hand you have no right to judge him. He plead not guilty and from What i know they are trying for a appeal and have good grounds. There's a lot of details that weren't released to the public do to a publication ban but I'm sure if you knew what actually happened that night you would feel differently. Mark also played for the cataracts the previous year and was welcomed with open arms, because he is such a nice guy. Its a crime that innocent people have to do time because someone makes a false accusation about them. This could happen to anyone, so lets keep our mouths shut about things we don't know anything about. The judge gave him a provincal sentence because she knew he didnt belong in federal hes not a criminal. Unless you know anything about this trial or Mark, dont comment. All my love to Mark and the Yetman family. I'm a strong believer in women's rights but when you use it to destroy a innocent man our justice system has failed us. Mark was the real victim here, made out to be a monster to cover up the shame of another. I love you mark, all my love. xx

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  • Username
    Hocleyforlife
    - March 25, 2013 at 14:29:22

    . Mark was charged Three years ago and played with the cataracts and Allen cup. Celebes are no different then the cararacts. He travelled with his family and checked in once a month . He was never a threat to anyone and still isn't. There is alot to this that people don't know so with respect to the families why don't you keep you comments to yourself. What is written in the media is one sided and not always the truth. Go Ceebees go!!!!

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  • Username
    Gloria
    - March 25, 2013 at 12:42:43

    @Nicholle... After his arrest he came home and soon after met someone that he was with for 2 years? He treated women badly after? Didnt happen i know her personally and I know Yetman I doubt you're from Halifax, I'd say Ontario. Keep you're opinion to yourself and be respectful to the family.

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  • Username
    Sending love to the Yetman family
    - March 25, 2013 at 11:29:41

    What people should remember is this could be your father, brother, or son who was accused, and the fact he was a male alone was already a hit against him. I am a woman and I believe strongly in Women's Rights... but in this case I feel disgusted at how these young women used those rights so irresponsibly. I know Mark personally, and I consider him a kindhearted individual, far from the monster these girls made him out to be. It is upsetting to see and hear people say such hurtful things without knowing the real truth and struggles this young man has undergone since these horrible allegations came forth. These young women were permitted to continue living their lives? Why is Yetman and the ceebees being slandered for doing the same! I know of taxi drivers who will not pick up lone women for fear of this sort of thing. It's a sick world we live in when we resort to destroying a life to cover up our own shame... Sending love to the Yetman family!

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  • Username
    Ari
    - March 25, 2013 at 10:35:38

    I don't know Mark personally, but I know both of his brothers, and they are both kind and caring people. You can't judge someone for being a hockey player and assume that they are just like the stereotypes. Both of his brothers play hockey and they are still wonderful people, as I'm sure their parents are to have raised such great kids. Don't judge lest ye be judged! Prayers and love to all of the Yetmans, keep your heads up!

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    • Username
      LESLEY
      - March 29, 2013 at 02:23:35

      What about prayers to the girls live's that he has ruined? Where is their justice?

    • Username
      LESLEY
      - March 29, 2013 at 02:37:42

      Actually Gloria he was sentenced to a choice between provincial and federal because NL does not have a federal prison not because he does not deserve to be there. As a 21 year old University female this kind of thing makes me sick. I attend Brock University and their is not enough support for victims like these two young women. By demeaning their testimony you are supporting the sexist and misogynistic values embedded in hockey and male sports in general. Of course his buddies had his back that does not mean they are credible. We need to stop putting so much attention on this sex offender and instead focus on the women, they are the real victims and deserving of support. My heart goes to them and their families, as well as the Yetman family.

  • Username
    Nicolle
    - March 25, 2013 at 09:06:18

    Mark Yetman has a history of inappropriate behavior with women. Talk to the girls in Halifax, there are a lot of us, who know the OTHER side of Mark Yetman. He can be very cruel. He was found guilty because he IS guilty. This was not a one time mistake, and the derogatory way he treats women did not change after his arrest.

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  • Username
    rick
    - March 25, 2013 at 08:01:10

    Maybe the N.L.hockey association should be asked these questions.Why would they ever let a kid who was under investigation for sexual assault be allowed to play hockey here on the island when in fact the team that he played for off island got rid of him,Do this mean that the hockey association down here welcomes sexual predators here they should be ashamed of themselves.Makes me wonder now what else goes on down here i the hockey world when it comes to this type of behaviour

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  • Username
    Gloria
    - March 24, 2013 at 21:18:31

    What's outrageous is the verdict. Guilty of sexual assault but found not guilty of the actual sexual assault? Seems to me like they protected these girls. Unless you know Mark Yetman personally then don't comment. Anyone that knows him knows how kind hearted and genuine he is. They also know the details of this case and all of the things that aren't released to the public, from what I hear there's a appeal coming up. So unless you know the facts lets keep our mouths shut, Yetman is one if the kindest people you'd ever meet. He is seeing someone and is well respected across the province. Love and prayers to Yetti and his family.

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Jay
    - March 24, 2013 at 19:55:30

    Just another self-entitled hockey player who grew up with no accountbility because he was a decent athlete. In my experience I've learned that many of these guys just learn, from an early age, that they can get away with playing by the rules because they have a little bit of talent. When we stop idolizing athletes, society will be better off

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  • Username
    Gloria
    - March 24, 2013 at 15:51:29

    He was innocent until proven guilty so he had every right to play hockey, missssus.

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  • Username
    Yo mama
    - March 24, 2013 at 15:00:52

    "Innocent until proven guilty"......ever heard that one Juanita?

    Submit a comment

    • Username
      SD Redgrave
      - March 25, 2013 at 09:05:59

      Agreed: Innocent until a judge says otherwise. I really don't need to hear what a great hockey player he is while the topic is sexual assault. That's a little bit insulting to any woman (or man) who has been a victim in the past.

    • Username
      Juanita
      - March 25, 2013 at 10:51:17

      Did you even read the article? He was found guilty last October, and came home to Newfoundland to await sentencing. So he was already a convicted offender while he was playing for the CeeBees for the last couple of months. The Cataracts let him go as soon as he was found guilty, but he was able to come home and play for the CeeBees? Ridiculous.

  • Username
    Unbelievable
    - March 24, 2013 at 14:34:14

    He was given a choice by the Judge where he wanted to serve his time - he didn't give the ladies a choice. Maybe the Judge could have taken him home. The court should hang its head in shame - again - and the CeeBees are part of the prblem. Big Bad Hockey Players and we can do anything attitude. I agree with Juanita - the press plays it like it was a theft but again remember it is a Hockey Player in Canada.

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  • Username
    InThe Know
    - March 24, 2013 at 11:37:37

    Agreed. Proud of the Cataracts Executive for doing the right thing getting rid of him once he was found gulity. Still can't believe another team let him play and that their fans actually cheered for this guy. Only the Ceebees I guess.

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  • Username
    saelcove
    - March 24, 2013 at 11:22:29

    Unbelievable no big deal i have a game to play,

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  • Username
    Danny
    - March 24, 2013 at 02:44:57

    This is sick :( I was Cheering on The Cee Bees & Mark Yetman in the Herder..to now find out he is a sexual predator.Wonder if they were hopeful he would be get off so he could be added for Allen Cup team.I feel sick :(

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  • Username
    Ceebeesnation
    - March 23, 2013 at 21:28:03

    What's outrageous is the verdict!

    Submit a comment

  • Username
    Ceebeesnation
    - March 23, 2013 at 21:21:50

    Outrageous? What's outrageous is the verdict. Not guilty of the sexual assault but guilty of sexual assault?? The violence is what these girls complained about and he was found not guilty of that so what exactly did he do? Mark also had two witness' come to bat for him swearing that this didnt happen. Seems to me like they protected these girls. You obviously have never met Mark Yetman or you would know first hand that he didnt do this. Mark is seeing someone and is well respected across the province.Mark is one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and unless you witnessed this happen first hand you have no right to judge him. He plead not guilty and from What i know they are trying for a appeal and have good grounds. There's a lot of details that weren't released to the public do to a publication ban but I'm sure if you knew what actually happened that night you would feel differently. Mark also played for the cataracts the previous year and was welcomed with open arms, because he is such a nice guy. Its a crime that innocent people have to do time because someone makes a false accusation about them. This could happen to anyone, so lets keep our mouths shut about things we don't know anything about. The judge gave him a provincal sentence because she knew he didnt belong in federal hes not a criminal. Unless you know anything about this trial or Mark, dont comment. All my love to Mark and the Yetman family.

    Submit a comment

    • Username
      jimmy
      - March 25, 2013 at 10:54:44

      He was still considered innocent while with the cataracts. Was charged as guilty after last season then the cataracts let him go to the Ceebees. Well done cataracts executive. Not someone you want little kids looking up to.

    • Username
      Juanita
      - March 25, 2013 at 10:59:52

      Okay, so maybe you have some inside information that the rest of us don't have. But the fact still remains that as of October 2012 he is, in the eyes of the law, a convicted sexual offender. And the CeeBees allowed him to play, even though they knew that he was a convicted offender. If he does appeal, and wins, then let him come back and play hockey. But to be allowed to play right up until last weekend? Not acceptable.

  • Username
    JUST SAYING
    - March 23, 2013 at 17:53:01

    Why are the taxpayers of NL responsible for the cost of housing Yetman at HMP when the incident happened in Ontario? Let the taxpayers in Ontario pay for his incaration.

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  • Username
    Ginger
    - March 23, 2013 at 17:30:38

    So, the victim wasn't under age....where is the line drawn between willing and unwilling? I am female, and have a daughter but how an adult can say she was hanging out with someone and led to unwilling sex is beyond me! Sounds to me like she is crying for attention?

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    • Username
      Nicolle
      - March 25, 2013 at 21:12:59

      I am pretty sure the line is drawn at 'no' and 'stop'.

  • Username
    paula
    - March 23, 2013 at 16:26:49

    I agree with Juanita. I find it hard to believe, that this young man was allowed to continue playing hockey considering the circumstances.

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  • Username
    Greg
    - March 23, 2013 at 15:48:30

    I agree... what kind of organization would allow him to be a part of their team after being found guilty of this.

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  • Username
    Juanita
    - March 23, 2013 at 10:04:28

    So he was found guilty of sexual assault last October, but the CeeBees continued to let him play hockey while he was awaiting sentencing. That's absolutely outrageous. We don't take sexual assault seriously enough in this country. Even the way this story is written smacks of the attitude that it was no big deal. They tell us what the defense lawyer said during the trial, but say nothing of what the prosecution said. It's not like this is a "he said, she said" situation. The trial has been held, and he was found guilty. Ridiculous.

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    • Username
      Christopher Chafe
      - March 23, 2013 at 17:51:08

      While his actions were absolutely deplorable, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore until he was found guilty of a crime the CeeBee's had no legal recourse against prohibiting him from playing.

    • Username
      Gloria
      - March 24, 2013 at 21:19:23

      What's outrageous is the verdict. Guilty of sexual assault but found not guilty of the actual sexual assault? Seems to me like they protected these girls. Unless you know Mark Yetman personally then don't comment. Anyone that knows him knows how kind hearted and genuine he is. They also know the details of this case and all of the things that aren't released to the public, from what I hear there's a appeal coming up. So unless you know the facts lets keep our mouths shut, Yetman is one if the kindest people you'd ever meet. He is seeing someone and is well respected across the province. Love and prayers to Yetti and his family.

    • Username
      Juanita
      - March 25, 2013 at 10:54:35

      @Christopher Chafe - He was found guilty in October 2012, and came home to Newfoundland to await his sentencing. So while he was playing with the CeeBees the last couple of months, he was already a convicted offender. The Cataracts let him go as soon as he was convicted, but the CeeBees welcomed him with open arms? Ridiculous.

    • Username
      Gloria
      - March 25, 2013 at 14:29:53

      Outrageous? What's outrageous is the verdict. Not guilty of the sexual assault but guilty of sexual assault?? The violence is what these girls complained about and he was found not guilty of that so what exactly did he do? Mark also had two witness' come to bat for him swearing that this didnt happen. Seems to me like they protected these girls. You obviously have never met Mark Yetman or you would know first hand that he didnt do this. Mark is seeing someone and is well respected across the province.Mark is one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and unless you witnessed this happen first hand you have no right to judge him. He plead not guilty and from What i know they are trying for a appeal and have good grounds. There's a lot of details that weren't released to the public do to a publication ban but I'm sure if you knew what actually happened that night you would feel differently. Mark also played for the cataracts the previous year and was welcomed with open arms, because he is such a nice guy. Its a crime that innocent people have to do time because someone makes a false accusation about them. This could happen to anyone, so lets keep our mouths shut about things we don't know anything about. The judge gave him a provincal sentence because she knew he didnt belong in federal hes not a criminal. Unless you know anything about this trial or Mark, dont comment. All my love to Mark and the Yetman family. I'm all about women's rights but when it's used to destroy a innocent mans life the justice system has failed us. It's a Shame some people think they have the power to destroy someone to cover up for their own shame. I love you mark xo

    • Username
      Gloria
      - March 25, 2013 at 14:30:18

      Outrageous? What's outrageous is the verdict. Not guilty of the sexual assault but guilty of sexual assault?? The violence is what these girls complained about and he was found not guilty of that so what exactly did he do? Mark also had two witness' come to bat for him swearing that this didnt happen. Seems to me like they protected these girls. You obviously have never met Mark Yetman or you would know first hand that he didnt do this. Mark is seeing someone and is well respected across the province.Mark is one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and unless you witnessed this happen first hand you have no right to judge him. He plead not guilty and from What i know they are trying for a appeal and have good grounds. There's a lot of details that weren't released to the public do to a publication ban but I'm sure if you knew what actually happened that night you would feel differently. Mark also played for the cataracts the previous year and was welcomed with open arms, because he is such a nice guy. Its a crime that innocent people have to do time because someone makes a false accusation about them. This could happen to anyone, so lets keep our mouths shut about things we don't know anything about. The judge gave him a provincal sentence because she knew he didnt belong in federal hes not a criminal. Unless you know anything about this trial or Mark, dont comment. All my love to Mark and the Yetman family. I'm all about women's rights but when it's used to destroy a innocent mans life the justice system has failed us. It's a Shame some people think they have the power to destroy someone to cover up for their own shame. I love you mark xo

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