In a recent press conference, the head of the London, Ontario police department issued a public apology to the woman who has made allegations of sexual assault against five professional hockey players in 2018. The accused players are Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Dillon Dubé of the Calgary Flames, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, and former NHL player Alex Formenton. Despite the initial closure of the investigation in 2018 and 2019 without any charges, the case was reopened, leading to recent charges of sexual assault against the five players.
The decision to revisit the initial investigation in 2022 was made by the now-retired London chief Steve Williams. Additional evidence and new information were obtained, resulting in the charging of the five players last week.
During a videoconference hearing, the legal representatives for the accused players announced their intention to plead not guilty. Despite the ongoing professional hockey careers of all five players during the investigations, they have been granted leaves of absence from their respective teams.
The incident in question occurred in June 2018 at a Hockey Canada fundraiser in London, which honored the Canadian team that emerged victorious at the world junior championships. According to the individual overseeing the review of the initial investigation, a person connected to the woman reported the sexual assault to the police the day after the incident.
The 2022 review revealed additional investigatory measures that prompted the reopening of the investigation and ultimately led to the charges against the players. However, details regarding the 2018 investigation, the reason for the 2022 review, and the evidence presented were not disclosed by the London police.
The NHL has also conducted its own investigation, but Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the findings will not be disclosed until the legal case in London concludes. Conversely, Hockey Canada has expressed its full cooperation with the police investigation and its commitment to support the legal process.
In response to the case, Hockey Canada has suspended all players from the 2018 National Junior Team pending the completion of the appeals process. The organization also recognises the necessity for meaningful change to restore the trust of Canadians and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in the sport.
The complexities of this case have prompted widespread outcry and apprehension. As the legal proceedings continue, the public awaits the resolution of this distressing ordeal.