World Junior Hockey Sexual Assault Trial Underway

The trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Callan Foote—began in London, Ontario, with all accused pleading not guilty to sexual assault charges from a June 2018 hotel incident following a Hockey Canada gala. The complainant, identified as E.M., is alleged to have initially consented to sex with McLeod but not to further sexual activity with other team members, with prosecutors presenting bar surveillance footage, videos, texts, and group chat messages as evidence. Some texts shown in court allegedly depict McLeod inviting others to participate. The case has garnered national attention due to the involvement of current NHL players, who are expected to be called as prosecution witnesses. The trial is ongoing, and the jury has been instructed to focus closely on the issue of consent. Proceedings continue as additional evidence and testimony are expected.