Five Former Canada Junior Hockey Players Plead Not Guilty to Sexual Assault

Five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team—Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—pleaded not guilty Tuesday as their sexual assault trial began in London, Ontario. The charges stem from an alleged incident in June 2018 following a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold-medal win, with McLeod facing an additional charge of being a party to sexual assault. Jury selection was completed, with 14 jurors and two alternates chosen from a large pool, reflecting the high public interest and anticipated eight-week trial duration. The trial, presided over by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, features a lengthy witness list, including current NHL players and Hockey Canada officials. The case has drawn national attention, triggering leadership resignations at Hockey Canada and prompting public apologies from London police for delays in the investigation. A publication ban remains in place to protect the identity of the complainant.