Former Fredericton junior hockey player pleads not guilty to manslaughter

A former player with the Maritime Junior Hockey League's Fredericton Red Wings has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter after the death of a 41-year-old man in September.

Tyler Totten, 19, elected a judge and jury trial in Fredericton provincial court on Monday. 

He's charged in connection with the death of André Bourgeois, who died on Sept. 27 after what police described as a "serious assault" in Fredericton's bar district a few days earlier.

Two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy are also charged with manslaughter in the case but cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The Crown said at a court appearance on Nov. 20 that it would seek adult sentences for all three if they're convicted.

The three youths were back in court again on Wednesday for election. Judge Mélanie Poirier LeBlanc agreed to adjourn the proceedings until Jan. 15, as the youths' lawyers are still waiting for evidence to be disclosed.

All four accused were released under conditions in October. The details heard at their bail hearings are protected under a publication ban.

Totten joined the Red Wings this season after previous stints with the league's Miramichi Timberwolves and Valley Wildcats.

The forward from Truro, N.S., appeared in eight regular-season games with the Red Wings and continued to play after the alleged assault on Sept. 22.

Totten last suited up for the Red Wings against the Summerside Western Capitals on Oct. 12. He was charged on Oct. 17.

James Faulkner, a spokesperson with the Maritime Junior Hockey League, told CBC News that Totten is no longer a member of the Red Wings.

He did not answer a question about whether Totten faces any further restrictions when it comes to playing elsewhere in the league.

"We have no