LONDON, Ontario — Legal proceedings commenced this Monday regarding the sexual assault allegations involving five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team. These proceedings are expected to last for several weeks as preparations are made for a trial set to begin next year.
The individuals charged include Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, relating to an incident that is said to have occurred in June 2018 in London, Ontario. Notably, McLeod faces an additional charge associated with being involved in the alleged sexual assault.
In a courtroom appearance on Monday, Dube, McLeod, and Formenton were seen attired in dark suits, presenting themselves for the first time in this setting. Legal representatives for the players have indicated their intent to contest the allegations, with all five defendants anticipated to enter pleas of not guilty.
The trial is slated to commence on April 22, presided over by Justice Maria Carroccia. In the meantime, several weeks have been allocated for preliminary legal arguments; however, discussions held during these hearings remain confidential due to a publication ban designed to uphold the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
The charges in question arise from an incident that allegedly transpired while the players, along with their teammates, were attending a Hockey Canada gala in London, celebrating their gold medal success at the world junior tournament of that year.
A criminal investigation was initially initiated by the police in 2019 but was subsequently closed without charges. It was reopened in 2022 after new evidence came to light. According to investigators, they were able to proceed with charges as a result of this fresh evidence, although further specifics have not been disclosed due to the ongoing court case.
This case has triggered heightened scrutiny regarding how sports organizations respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, prompting discussions on the effectiveness of existing policies and practices in such situations.