Sexual assault trial of five former World Junior hockey players set to start Tuesday

Nick Paparella previews the trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team that face sex assault charges

It’s a case that has rocked the sporting world in Canada and across North America after five former World Junior Canadian hockey players were charged with sexually assaulting a lone female in a downtown London, Ont. hotel room.

The players include Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Dillion Dube, and former London Knight Alex Formenton. They were all attending a Hockey Canada gala in London in June of 2018, months after winning gold at the world championships.

It’s alleged that after partying at a downtown bar, one of the players took a female back to the hotel to engage in sexual activity and that’s where the assault took place.

London police initially investigated the complaint brought forward by the female, but months later, the case was closed.

However, in 2022, Hockey Canada settled a civil suit with the woman and London police reopened the case with Chief Thai Truong calling a news conference.

He said, “This review involved re-examining initial investigative steps, gathering additional evidence and obtaining new information.”

Before wrapping up, Truong concluded, “As a result, we have found sufficient grounds to charge five adult males with sexual assault.”

Now after months of legal wrangling between the Crown and defence lawyers, the trial is set to get underway this week.

Laura Misener, a professor of kinesiology at Western University, is also a senior advisor with the school’s safe sport practices. She said the case is a wake-up call for many sports organizations.

“When charges were laid a couple of years ago, I think that really sent shockwaves throughout the sports system,” said Misener.

She added “This being such a high-profile case really pushed sport in a new direction, and it really helped them create the Office of the Sport Integrity Commission, which is now in effect through Abuse Free Sport.”

On Tuesday morning, all five of the accused will be at the London courthouse, along with their respective lawyers as jury selection is expected to take place. That process could take several days.

After that, the Crown is expected to give its opening address and call evidence.

The court has set aside eight weeks for the trial.

The lawyers for all five men have publicly proclaimed their innocence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.

A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found ​on the website for Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada.

Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.

National Residential School Crisis Line: [phone]

24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]

Trans Lifeline: [phone]

Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: [phone]

Read about your rights as a victim here.