An NHL defenceman from B.C. is facing charges in connection to an illegal grizzly bear hunt on the province’s central coast.
An investigation into Clayton Stoner began in 2013 after photos were released of the hockey star holding the decapitated head and paw of a dead grizzly. The images surfaced after the release of a documentary produced by coastal First Nations calling for a ban on trophy-hunting.
A conservation group says the Port McNeil native illegally killed a five-year-old bear in the Kwatna Etsuary in 2013. The bear, dubbed Cheeky by locals, was skinned and its paws and head were cut off and the carcass was left to rot in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Stoner, who plays for the Anaheim Ducks, faces a total of five charges under the Wildlife Act, including making a false statement to obtain a hunting license.
The professional athlete is also charged with hunting without a license, hunting wildlife out of season and unlawful possession of dead wildlife.
After he shot and killed the bear two years ago, Stoner released a statement defending his kill of the bear that was beloved to local First Nations.
“I grew up hunting and fishing in British Columbia and continue to enjoy spending time with my family outdoors," Stoner said.
"I love to hunt and fish and will continue to do so with my family and friends in British Columbia.”
Hunting generates more than $300-million in annual revenue in British Columbia. First Nations have argued that although the hunt is sanctioned by the government is should be banned.
"I don't think there's any place for this disgusting, barbaric, so-called sport of trophy-hunting in British Columbia." Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs told CTV Vancouver in 2013.
Stoner’s first court appearance is slated in Vancouver on October 9.
