Former 'Hockey Doc' sentenced to 15 years for sexually assaulting players

Zvi Levran pleaded guilty to assaulting high school hockey players in Fergus Falls under the guise of medical treatment.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:19pm

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An extreme close-up of a medical stethoscope, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of the violation of trust in this case of sports medicine abuse.A harsh flash photograph of a medical instrument used to exploit the trust of young athletes, exposing the dark underbelly of sports medicine.Fergus Falls Today

A former Fergus Falls physician named Zvi Levran has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting high school hockey players under the false pretense of providing medical treatment. Levran, who was known as the 'Hockey Doc', made sexual contact with at least two underage players between 2014 and 2016. This sentence will be served concurrently with a previous 10-25 year sentence Levran received in Michigan for similar crimes.

Why it matters

The case highlights the abuse of trust that can occur when medical professionals exploit their position of authority, especially involving minors. It also raises concerns about oversight and screening processes for sports medicine practitioners who work closely with young athletes.

The details

Levran pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The incidents occurred while he was working as a team physician for high school hockey players in Fergus Falls. Victims came forward after similar allegations surfaced against Levran in Michigan in 2022, where he was convicted on 28 charges of sexual misconduct and sentenced to 10-25 years.

  • Reported incidents occurred between the winter of 2014 and spring 2016.
  • Levran was convicted in Michigan in 2022 and sentenced to 10-25 years.
  • Levran was sentenced in Otter Tail County, Minnesota on April 7, 2026.

The players

Zvi Levran

A 69-year-old former physician in Fergus Falls, Minnesota who worked as a 'Hockey Doc' and sexually assaulted high school hockey players under the guise of providing medical treatment.

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What’s next

Levran's 15-year sentence in Minnesota will be served concurrently with his 10-25 year sentence in Michigan.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for rigorous background checks, oversight, and accountability measures for medical professionals, especially those working closely with young athletes, to prevent predatory behavior and protect vulnerable youth.