Case against former world juniors charged with sexual assault returns to court

Ottawa Senators' Alex Formenton, New Jersey Devils defenceman Cal Foote, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod, Calgary Flames centre Dillon Dube, and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart. The five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team who are charged with sexual assault in a 2018 incident in London, Ont., have chosen to be tried by a jury. (The Canadian Press)

Lawyers for the five former world juniors accused of sexual assault returned to a London, Ont. court Tuesday.

Judicial pre-trial motions will be heard on July 3, and the matter will be back before the court on Aug. 13 to possibly set a trial date.

Earlier this year, Michael McLeod, Dillion Dube, Cal Foote, Carter Hart and Alex Formenton were all charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a woman at a downtown London hotel in June of 2018.

The players were in London at the time for a Hockey Canada gala and golf tournament following their gold medal win at the World Juniors.

The lawyers for all five players have publicly declared their innocence.