3 former NHLers attend pretrial hearings in London, Ont., ahead of world juniors sexual assault trial
The start of pretrial hearings for three of the five former NHL players accused of sexual assault dating back to their time on Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team took place in a London, Ont., courtroom. Dillon Dubé, Michael McLeod, and Alex Formenton were present as the proceedings began, with Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia overseeing the trial that is expected to last three weeks. The allegations involve a woman who claims she was assaulted in a hotel room in London following a gala celebrating Canada’s world junior hockey victory.
McLeod is facing an additional charge of being party to the offence, while all five players are anticipated to plead not guilty when the trial commences in April. A publication ban is in effect for the pretrial hearings, as well as for protecting the identity of the alleged victim and two witnesses. None of the accusations have been proven in court.
Following the alleged incident, the players continued their professional hockey careers, with McLeod and Foote playing for the New Jersey Devils, Dubé with the Calgary Flames, and Hart with the Philadelphia Flyers. Formenton, who was signed with the Ottawa Senators, was playing in Switzerland when the charges were announced. In August, McLeod signed a contract to play for Astana Barys in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), which expires in May. Additionally, Dubé was listed on the roster for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL.
The police investigation into the players was initially closed without charges in 2019 but was reopened in 2022. The delay in laying charges prompted an apology from London’s current police chief to the complainant earlier this year.
The allegations have had a significant impact on Canada’s hockey community and governing body, Hockey Canada, leading to the resignation of the entire board of directors and chief executive officer. For individuals who have experienced sexual assault, crisis lines and local support services are available through resources provided by the government of Canada and the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If in immediate danger, it is crucial to call 911 for assistance.
