Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial Begins in London

The sexual assault trial of five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team began this week in London, Ontario, with jury selection completed and opening statements set to follow. The accused—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote—have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged incident after a Hockey Canada gala in June 2018. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense. The Crown has named over 40 potential witnesses, including current NHL players from the 2018 team, many of whom may testify virtually due to ongoing NHL playoffs. The trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks and will include testimony from the alleged victim, known as E.M. This case has become a focal point for scrutiny of Hockey Canada and its handling of sexual assault allegations, following revelations about secret settlement funds and renewed police investigations.