Mistrial declared in sexual assault case against five former junior hockey players

A mistrial has been declared in the high-profile sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, who had all pleaded not guilty to allegations stemming from an incident in a London, Ontario hotel in 2018. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia discharged the 14-member jury just two days into the trial, though the specific reasons for the mistrial remain under a publication ban. The complainant’s identity is also protected by a publication ban, as is standard in such cases. Legal experts note that mistrials are rare and typically occur only when no other remedy can address a perceived unfairness in the trial process. The next steps, including the selection of a new jury, are expected to be announced soon, and a new trial will be held. This development marks the latest turn in a case that has stretched on for nearly seven years.