Victim shocked after former Estevan Bruins player released from custody

A victim named in court documents sat stunned in the courtroom after a former Estevan Bruins hockey player was released with numerous conditions.

“I’m very angry,” said the victim. “He should not be released.”

Mason Strutt, 23, is facing five charges in two separate incidents, including assault, sexual assault, animal cruelty, uttering threats and causing a person to take a noxious substance.

Former Estevan Bruins player Mason Strutt. (file photo/Estevan Bruins)

All victims named in court documents cannot be named due to a publication ban.

He appeared in Regina Provincial Court on Thursday morning. The victim watched the proceeding surrounded by about 10 friends.

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Judge Noah Evanchuk began by acknowledging that some of the matters discussed could bring up strong emotions from those sitting in the gallery, but reminded people that they were not allowed to record court proceedings.

The Crown and the defence agreed to release Strutt from custody with a long list of conditions – including rules that he must stay out of Regina and Moose Jaw city limits unless it’s related to his court matters.

Strutt listened to the list of conditions with his hands behind his back while pursing his lips. He replied that he understood what his terms of release were.

The victim said their stomach turned when they found out Strutt was going to be released.

“I thought he was going to be held. They told me that they would call me and warn me if he was going to be released, but I didn’t hear anything …” they said. “It was really shocking.”

During a period of several days in April, the victim alleged Strutt assaulted them, threatened them, forced them to take cocaine and threw their dog down the stairs, resulting in injuries where the dog needed to be put down.

None of these accusations have been proven in court.

“I think what happened that night really brought negative energy around here,” they said. “I can’t sleep, I don’t feel safe.”

Since the alleged incident took place, the victim said they have taken a leave of absence from their job and are seeking counselling to navigate the situation.

While Strutt is under strict conditions, they said they were concerned that Strutt or their family may appear at their home.

“I feel unsafe,” they said. “I need to change both of my locks.”

Strutt is set to appear in Regina Provincial Court next on May 15.

Strutt’s case has caught the attention of the southeast Saskatchewan sports community, where he was known as an emerging SJHL offensive player.

Originally from Estevan, Strutt has been involved in Saskatchewan’s hockey scene for several years. He played two seasons with the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. After his time with the Bruins, he joined the Oxbow Huskies in 2022, later suiting up for the Bienfait Coalers in 2023.

Strutt was featured in local media for his on-ice development and involvement in community initiatives during his time with the Estevan Bruins.

— with files from Discover Estevan