Judge blasts former football coach Kelsey McKay, hands him 20-year sentence

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A former Winnipeg high school football coach has received a 20-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting nine of his players.

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Kelsey McKay, 54, pleaded guilty last summer to nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of luring.

The prosecution had asked for a 25-year sentence, the defence a term of 13 years and three months, making their submissions in March.

Judge Ray Wyant, himself a former youth coach, on Monday told a nearly full courtroom the reason he took so long to make a decision was his need to deal with the “deeply troubling and emotional effect” the case had on him.

“The emotion didn’t die down as quickly as it normally does,” Wyant said, explaining he couldn’t let his feelings affect his ruling.

Lauding the courage of the victims in coming forward, Wyant acknowledged they would suffer “lifelong, life-altering consequences” of carrying the trauma of being assaulted by a man they trusted as a friend, mentor and even father figure.

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“Like a thief, Mr. McKay stole their innocence and their childhood,” the judge said.

One victim, riddled with shame and the guilt of not coming forward sooner, took his own life in 2022, three months after going to police and a year before McKay pleaded guilty.

A publication ban prevents the victims from being identified in court.

“Someone telling you it wasn’t your fault doesn’t make it go away,” the judge acknowledged, turning to the victims in the courtroom. “What happened to you was not your fault, in no way, shape or form.”

Turning to McKay, Wyant told the former coach breaking the trust of parents “shatters our very faith” in public organizations.

“I know how kids look up to us as coaches,” he said. “Our behaviour can shape and model kids for the rest of their lives. You broke that sacred bond of trust.”

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McKay coached at Churchill High School and Vincent Massey Collegiate, winning championships at both while becoming one of the most respected and admired coaches in the game.

He abused that power and trust for his own gratification, having boys over at his house, often plying them with alcohol, talking about sex, manipulating them with constant text messages and finally assaulting them.

Wyant blasted him for taking advantage of football’s macho culture, where boys are taught to be tough and to ignore emotional pain, for his own self-satisfaction.

“You used vulnerability to your advantage and your twisted gain,” he judge said. “Shame on you, Mr. McKay. Shame on you.”

At one point, Wyant’s voice broke and he had to pause, wiping his eyes.

McKay showed no visible emotion as he was led out of the courtroom, past where victims and their families were seated.

Those victims exchanged hugs and shed tears after the judge’s decision, relieved to have this chapter of their nightmare closed.

McKay’ offences took place between 2003 and 2016.

paul.friesen@kleinmedia.ca
X: @friesensunmedia

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