Bernie Lynch made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon in Regina as he faces assault and sexual assault charges dating back to 1988.

In April, Regina Police received allegations from a former hockey player who Lynch had coached. The alleged victim was 17 at the time.

The investigation into these allegations led to evidence strong enough to formally charge Lynch with both assault and sexual assault. A Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest, and Lynch turned himself into RCMP in Alberta a day later.

Lynch has coached across North America, including for the Regina Pats and Humboldt Broncos. He faces similar accusations in both Alberta and Ontario.