LONDON — Five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team have pleaded not guilty as jury selection begins in their sexual assault trial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton were charged with sexual assault early last year in an incident that allegedly took place in London, Ontario, in June 2018. McLeod is facing an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
The players, all dressed in dark suits, entered their pleas one by one in a packed London courtroom this morning. The charges relate to an incident that allegedly occurred as many of the team’s members were in London for a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold-medal win at that year’s world junior tournament. The complainant cannot be identified under a standard publication ban.
The trial, overseen by Judge Maria V. Carroccia, marks a significant moment for both the defendants and the hockey community, as it brings to light serious allegations involving prominent figures in the sport. The players were charged in February 2024, following a reopened investigation by the London police, which had initially closed its inquiry in February 2019. The police chief, Thai Truong, stated that new evidence and leads prompted the charges against the five players.
According to court documents, the incident began at Jack’s, a bar in downtown London, where the players met a woman after a Hockey Canada event. The woman later accompanied one of the men to a hotel room at the Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries in the early hours of June 19, 2018. She alleged that after consensual sex with one player, seven others entered the room, leading to her sexual assault over several hours while she was intoxicated. Some of the events were reportedly recorded on video, and text messages exchanged between the woman and the players were submitted to the police in 2018.
In April 2022, the woman filed a lawsuit against Hockey Canada and eight players from the 2018 World Junior team, seeking $3.55 million in damages. The lawsuit was settled by Hockey Canada for an unspecified amount just a month later. Following the settlement, the police reopened their investigation, leading to the current charges against the players.
During the trial, which is expected to last two months, at least four members of the 2018 team are anticipated to testify, potentially via Zoom. The legal team representing Hart, led by Megan Savard of the Toronto-based law firm Savard Foy LLP, has publicly stated that Hart is innocent and will respond to the allegations in court. His lawyer emphasized on social media in January 2024, "He is innocent and will provide a full response to this false allegation in the proper forum, a court of law. Until then, we will have no comment."
The stakes are high for the accused players, as a conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, though they may receive leniency as first-time offenders. This case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual assault and accountability within sports, particularly in hockey, where such incidents have sparked widespread discussion and scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the NHL has been monitoring the situation closely. Commissioner Gary Bettman labeled the allegations as "reprehensible, horrific, and unacceptable" during a news conference. He confirmed that the league conducted its own investigation over approximately twelve months, interviewing every player from the 2018 team. However, the findings of that investigation have not been disclosed.
All players from the 2018 World Junior team are currently suspended from participating in Hockey Canada events, although none, including the five charged, has faced suspension for the alleged incident from June 2018. This lack of immediate disciplinary action has raised questions about the organization’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
As the trial unfolds, the public and hockey community will be watching closely, not only for the outcome but also for its implications on the culture within hockey and the broader sports landscape. The case stands as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and support for victims in sports.
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding sexual misconduct, this trial could serve as a pivotal moment for Hockey Canada and the sport at large. With the legal proceedings set to begin, it remains to be seen how the players will navigate the complexities of the trial and what the eventual outcome will mean for their futures both in and out of hockey.
