Five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors hockey team have been instructed to report to the police, facing impending charges related to a purported group sexual assault in London, Ontario, as reported by the media.
The Globe and Mail disclosed this news on Wednesday, attributing it to two unnamed sources familiar with the investigation, who were not authorized to discuss the case.
The players, not yet formally accused, have been allotted a specific timeframe to appear at the London police headquarters, as stated by the Globe. Global News has not verified this information independently.
Recent statements from their teams on the social media platform X and public remarks reveal that several 2018 team members have temporarily left their clubs. This includes Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and Alex Formenton, formerly of the Ottawa Senators and now playing in Switzerland.
Global News has contacted the players’ agents, legal representatives, the NHL, and the NHL Players Association for comments, but has not received any responses as of the publication time.
The London Police Service and the case’s investigating officer have not disclosed any information so far.
The police force, however, announced that a press conference is expected on Monday, February 5, 2024, for further updates.
There’s no confirmation that the players’ leaves of absence are connected to the Globe’s report.
The potential charges are linked to an alleged group sexual assault in London, Ontario, in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada gala.
This incident first came to light in May 2022 when TSN reported a civil lawsuit settlement by Hockey Canada with the complainant. This led to renewed investigations and significant scrutiny of Hockey Canada, resulting in the resignation of its board and leadership.
In 2022, Foote’s agent told Global News his client wasn’t involved in the alleged assault. Hart’s lawyer stated that Hart had not engaged in any misconduct, and Dube’s agent claimed his client was not involved in any wrongdoing. There were no responses from McLeod and Formenton’s representatives.
Initially, two investigations were conducted by London police and the law firm Henein Hutchison, hired by Hockey Canada. These were closed months later without any charges. However, they were reopened following public awareness in May 2022.
Court documents reported by the Globe and Mail and confirmed by Global News suggest that London police believe five team members from 2018 were implicated in the assault. The documents, partly redacted, offered detailed insights into the police investigation, including requests for search warrants and production orders.
Hockey Canada has been criticized for its handling of sexual assault cases involving players, particularly for using a reserve fund, sourced from membership fees, to settle such cases. The organization has stated this fund will no longer serve that purpose.
Key sponsors like Nike, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Scotiabank, and Esso withdrew their support, demanding organizational changes.
Under intense pressure, Hockey Canada’s board and leadership resigned in October. The new board has committed to cultural changes within the sport and the organization.
Hockey Canada stated in November that the final report from an independent panel investigating the alleged assaults would not be publicly released due to an ongoing appeal.
The report by Henein Hutchison LLP remains confidential during the adjudication process, which was conducted privately.
All 2018 World Junior team players are currently suspended by Hockey Canada, barring their participation in any sanctioned events, including international competitions, until the appeal process concludes.
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