Five Canadian hockey players, including members of the 2018 gold medal-winning junior team, have been charged with sexual assault stemming from an incident investigated by London, Ontario police, with all denying the allegations and pledging to defend themselves in court.
In the midst of an ongoing investigation, a shocking revelation has surfaced. Members of Canada’s 2018 gold medal-winning junior team are facing serious allegations. Philadelphia Flyers’ goaltender Carter Hart and New Jersey Devils’ forward Michael McLeod are among those implicated. Alongside them, Devils’ defenseman Cal Foote, Calgary Flames’ forward Dillon Dube, and former Ottawa Senators draft pick Alex Formenton have been charged.
On a recent Monday, the London Police Service made a significant announcement. McLeod faces two counts of sexual assault. Hart, Foote, Dube, and Formenton are each facing one count. Their first court appearance was that same Monday.
The investigation has been described as both “lengthy and complex” by London Police Service Chief Thai Truong. He emphasized that the recent charges mark a “critical step” in the unfolding case. Meanwhile, the attorneys for Hart, McLeod, Foote, and Dube have been vocal, denying any wrongdoing on their clients’ part last week.
Hart’s legal team is fighting back. “He is innocent,” they assert, promising a vigorous defense in court. Similarly, McLeod and Dube’s lawyers have announced intentions to plead not guilty, calling for privacy and restraint from public judgment.
Dube’s legal representation is adamant about his innocence, echoing sentiments of a strong defense in court. The Flames, Dube’s team, have publicly acknowledged the charge, stressing the seriousness with which they view the matter. Foote’s lawyer has also declared his innocence, vowing to clear his name of the allegations.
Formenton’s attorney, Daniel Brown, has made a plea for patience and withholding judgment until all evidence is presented. Before these charges were publicized, all five players had already taken leaves of absence from their teams. This action followed revelations of a lawsuit settled by Hockey Canada, stemming from allegations of sexual assault by members of the 2018 team.
The lawsuit detailed disturbing allegations from a 20-year-old woman, identifying a “John Doe #1” who led her into a situation where she was allegedly assaulted. She sought $3.55 million in damages, a case that Hockey Canada settled. Following these revelations, the NHL began its own investigation, promising transparency in its findings.
Teams have been cautious in their handling of the situation. Both the Flyers and Devils have granted leaves of absence to their implicated players without detailing the reasons. The Flames, however, cited Dube’s mental health as the cause for his leave.
As the legal proceedings continue, the hockey world watches closely, awaiting further developments in this troubling case.
