PONTIAC, Mich. — A physician famously dubbed the “hockey doc” due to his involvement with youth hockey teams in the Detroit region has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison. This ruling, delivered on Tuesday, comes in light of his convictions related to sexual assault and other misdemeanors involving both teenagers and adults.
Victims have recounted that Zvi Levran assaulted them under the guise of providing sports physicals or medical care for sports-related injuries. Some also reported that Levran showered with them following workout sessions. Alarmingly, one individual recalled an incident where Levran engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct during a consultation intended for a hip injury.
These cases have drawn unfortunate parallels to the well-known case of another Michigan sports doctor, Larry Nassar. Nassar was convicted for the sexual assault of several young women and teenagers, among them Olympic gymnasts, and for the possession of child exploitation material.
Addressing the court, Levran, now 68, expressed regret, saying, “As I stand here in front of you, and I see the individual victims who were affected either directly or indirectly from my actions, it is very difficult to try and say anything for myself, and I’m not going to.” Levran recently entered a plea of no contest to 28 criminal charges in Oakland County, which include third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In Michigan, such a plea is treated as an admission of guilt at the time of sentencing. Consequently, Levran will have the opportunity for parole after serving at least 10 years of his sentence.
“The bravery of the victims who stepped forward against Levran has ensured that this predator can no longer harm others,” stated prosecutor Karen McDonald.
During the hearing, a 29-year-old victim spoke directly to Judge Yasmine Poles, detailing the impact on her mental health. “It haunts me, but I just know now he has no power over me,” the woman stated, summarizing the relief and empowerment felt by many in the wake of the sentencing.