Court documents have revealed that five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team have been charged with sexual assault. The accused players include Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and former NHL player Alex Formenton. The alleged incident took place on June 19, 2018, in London, Ontario.
According to the document obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, McLeod is facing an additional charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault. Lawyers representing all five players have confirmed the charges but vehemently denied any wrongdoing on behalf of their clients.
The players turned themselves in to the authorities in a staggered manner, with Hart surrendering on Friday, Formenton and Foote on Sunday, Dube on Monday, and McLeod on Tuesday. London Police have scheduled a news conference for Monday to address the ongoing investigation.
Two members of the gold medal-winning team who were not implicated or charged were asked about the situation during the NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto. Cale Makar, a Norris Trophy winner and playoff MVP in 2022 when the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, stated that he was instructed not to comment on the ongoing investigation. Makar clarified that he was not present in London during the Hockey Canada Foundation fundraising gala, where the alleged incident occurred. He expressed gratitude for not being involved and deferred to the authorities handling the case.
Robert Thomas, an All-Star player for the St. Louis Blues, referred to his previous statements and confirmed his cooperation with the investigation. He declined to provide further comments, stating, “That’s all I’ve got for you.”
During the NHL All-Star Weekend, Philadelphia All-Star Travis Konecny faced repeated questions about Hart. However, a team employee informed reporters that questions regarding Hart were not allowed. Konecny declined to answer any questions related to the matter.
This developing story has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, raising concerns about the conduct of professional athletes and the need for accountability. The accused players will now face legal proceedings as the investigation continues.
