How women’s advocates are using the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial to talk to players about consent

The sexual assault trial of five former junior hockey players in London, Ont., has garnered widespread attention over the past month. As the proceedings unfold, advocates against gender-based violence are seizing the opportunity to educate young men about consent and their roles as influencers and role models.

Allison Preyde, the manager of prevention and education at Anova, a gender-based violence center in London, emphasized the importance of learning from the trial. She believes that young men, especially athletes, are observing the consequences faced by the defendants and are motivated to avoid similar situations that could jeopardize their careers. Preyde stressed the need for conversations about creating safer environments and recognizing situations that are not worth the risk.

The five former teammates, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, are facing charges of sexual assault. The incident took place in June 2018 after a night of drinking, following a gala celebrating their team’s world junior gold medal win. McLeod invited his teammates to his hotel room where the alleged assault occurred, despite the woman involved, identified as E.M., stating that she did not consent.

Throughout the trial, E.M. testified about feeling scared and disconnected from her body during the incident. Text messages exchanged between the players further highlighted the lack of understanding around consent and the misuse of power dynamics. Consent has been identified as a central issue in the case, emphasizing the importance of respecting boundaries and understanding the impact of one’s actions.

Hanna McGee, the Youth Outreach Coordinator at the Saffron Centre in Alberta, developed a program called Consent in Sport to educate athletes, starting as young as 13, about consent and responsibility. She emphasized the significant influence athletes hold within their communities and the necessity to use that power responsibly.

The trial has prompted discussions about the role of sports teams in fostering a culture of respect and accountability. McGee highlighted the potential for harmful group dynamics within teams and the importance of speaking up against negative behaviors. She emphasized the long-lasting impact of one’s actions and the need to prioritize impact over intent.

In response to the trial, initiatives like the Ontario Hockey League’s Onside program aim to educate players and staff about respecting women and promoting a culture of consent. However, advocates like Preyde stress the importance of starting consent training at a younger age, particularly for those in sports culture. Early conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and accountability are crucial in shaping young athletes’ understanding and behavior.

The trial serves as a reminder of the significance of ongoing consent and the responsibility that comes with influence and power. By learning from this case and implementing proactive education initiatives, advocates hope to prevent future incidents of gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and understanding within sports communities.