World juniors sex assault investigation: NHL commissioner comments

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took questions Friday on the ongoing police investigation against five former world junior hockey players expected to face charges of sexual assault next week.

The league carried out its own investigation into the allegations, but has yet to release its findings. Bettman said that once the criminal investigation was over the league would respond appropriately.

Last week, the Globe and Mail reported that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team will face sexual assault charges in connection to an alleged group sexual assault of a woman in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada event in June 2018.

In 2022, a woman identified as “E.M.” sued Hockey Canada and eight unnamed players from the 2018 world junior team, alleging she was repeatedly assaulted while intoxicated in a London, Ont., hotel room. The lawsuit was settled out of court.

London police reportedly ordered five players to surrender. Identified by their own lawyers and TSN, they are Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and Alex Formenton, who last played in the NHL for the Ottawa Senators.

The accused players have all been granted indefinite leave from their pro clubs. Bettman said on Friday they are still being paid.

“They’re all away from their teams on leave, and they’re all free agents,” said Bettman.

Facing questions on whether the league should suspend the players without pay, Bettman said, “I don’t think that is necessary at this stage.” None of the four have contracts extending beyond this season.

“Virtually all of the time they were playing, we did not know for sure whether or not the allegations were sustainable,” said Bettman.

The NHL’s 12-month internal investigation wrapped up last summer. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said nothing will be released while the criminal case is ongoing.

Bettman also refuted any sense among members of the public that the alleged assault reflects hockey culture more broadly.

“This is not typical of NHL players,” he said. “These players weren’t NHL players in the league playing games at the time this alleged incident took place.”

“This is not representative of what takes place in our game,” he added.

Aside from Bettmans comments, officials have been generally tight-lipped regarding the case. London police are expected to give an official update on Monday.