Content warning: This story contains references to alleged sexual exploitation of young people, including the solicitation of intimate images and sexual videos.
The Okotoks Oilers and the British Columbia Hockey League have issued statements following the arrest of a former team employee who faces charges in a case involving minors.
In a statement, Oilers chairman and governor Brent Lauinger said the organization was aware of Tyler King’s arrest but had not been aware of the allegations while King was employed by the team.
Lauinger said the club received information about King after his departure. Although the information was unverified at the time, it raised enough concern that the organization decided it needed further review. The Oilers said they reviewed the information and passed it along to the RCMP.
“We are cooperating fully and will continue to support them in any way we can,” Lauinger said.
The club thanked police for taking the information seriously and said its thoughts were with the individuals and families affected.
The BCHL also confirmed it was aware of the charges against King, noting he spent only a few months working in the league.
In its statement, the BCHL said it had fully supported the RCMP investigation.
“Upon learning of the accusations against Mr. King his BCHL team immediately terminated his employment,” the league said.
The Oilers’ statement reiterated that the safety, protection and well-being of their players remain the organization’s highest priority. Because the matter is an active police investigation, the club said it could not comment further on the investigation or charges.
According to RCMP officials, the investigation began in June 2024, when an employee of the Okotoks Oilers Hockey Association reported that a former employee was allegedly soliciting and compensating players in exchange for intimate images and sexual videos.
Police said King was arrested on Oct. 30, 2026, at the Lansdowne border crossing near Kingston, Ont.
The 39-year-old faces three counts of luring a person under 18, one count of sexual exploitation of a young person and one count of making child pornography. Cpl. Dan Campbell said investigators had identified three victims who were under 18 at the time of the alleged offences. RCMP said the victims were from Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Police said the investigation was focused on those three individuals but urged anyone who believes they may have been victimized to contact their local police service.
RCMP said King previously held corporate, business and communications positions with hockey organizations in Fort McMurray, Okotoks, Brooks and Nanaimo. Campbell said he was not aware of King working as a coach for any of the organizations.
RELATED STORY: Former AJHL Assistant GM, broadcaster charged with sex crimes
