Editor’s note
The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, resources are available. In Canada, province-specific centres, crisis lines, and services can be found by searching online resources. For readers in the United States, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can also be found through online searches.
LONDON, Ont. – The trial for five former NHL players facing sexual assault charges concluded its second day earlier than expected on Wednesday.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia dismissed the jury for the day, stating, “I’m going to let you go for the day. Something happened over the lunch hour that I need to think about and to discuss with the lawyers.”
Further details regarding the incident were not provided to the jury.
Day two of the trial commenced on Wednesday with the Crown informing the jury that the core issue of the case revolves around consent.
“This is a case about consent,” assistant Crown Heather Donkers stated in her opening remarks. “And, equally as important, this is a case about what is not consent.”
Donkers outlined the expected evidence from both the Crown and defence, including allegations regarding events that took place in a Delta Armouries hotel room following a Hockey Canada gala on June 18-19, 2018.
Opening statements serve as summaries of the evidence the Crown and defence plan to present, and are not themselves considered evidence.
Justice Carroccia instructed the jury, composed of nine women and three men after two alternates were dismissed, that “you and you alone will decide the facts in this case.” She cautioned them against discussing the case outside court, reading news reports about it, or communicating with anyone regarding the proceedings, warning that such actions could lead to a mistrial.
Michael McLeod, 27, faces two sexual assault charges, one of which involves aiding in the alleged offense. Dillon Dube, 26, Cal Foote, 26, Alex Formenton, 25, and Carter Hart, 26, are each charged with one count of sexual assault and have pleaded not guilty. The defendants are required to be in attendance throughout the trial.
In May 2022, it was reported by TSN that Hockey Canada had reached a settlement in a civil lawsuit filed by a woman in London. She alleged that she was sexually assaulted by eight men, some of whom were members of the 2018 Canadian men’s world junior team, following an event honoring the team in June 2018.
The London Police Service initiated an investigation in the summer of 2018, which was closed in February 2019 when investigators determined there was insufficient evidence for charges. Following significant public and media scrutiny regarding Hockey Canada`s management of the situation, London police reopened the investigation in July 2022, leading to charges being filed in January 2024.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Tristan Blackwood