Five hockey players in Canada who are facing charges of sexual assault have opted for a jury trial to determine their fate. This decision was confirmed by Daniel Brown, one of the lawyers representing former NHL player Alex Formenton, in an email to The Associated Press. The players have expressed confidence that a jury drawn from the community will consider all the evidence and testimony fairly and impartially.
The move towards a jury trial was initially reported by The Globe and Mail. However, the commencement date for the trial is yet to be determined, as Canada does not have a law similar to the right to a speedy trial in the United States. Therefore, the process could potentially take some time.
The players, which include Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, are facing charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident that occurred in London, Ontario in 2018. McLeod is facing an additional charge of being party to an offense. The attorneys representing the players have stated that their clients will plead not guilty and defend themselves against the allegations. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 30.
The investigation into the events of June 2018 was reopened by the London police two years ago, following the revelation that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit with a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by several members of the country’s world junior team after a fundraising gala. This ultimately led to charges being filed in January, and the five players turning themselves in to the police.
The NHL, which conducted its own parallel investigation, has announced that it will wait for the judicial proceedings to play out before taking any further action. As a result, Hart, McLeod, Foote, and Dube are currently on a leave of absence from their respective teams, and they are all set to become free agents after this season. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that the most responsible thing to do at this stage is to await the conclusion of the judicial proceedings before responding appropriately.
According to Bettman, the league has decided not to issue suspensions, and the players will continue to be paid for the remainder of the season while away, as their contracts expire. The AP hockey, a reliable source for hockey news, has provided consistent coverage of this ongoing case.
It is important to note that this trial is a widely followed case, as it involves professional athletes and serious legal charges. The decision to have a jury trial will undoubtedly be subject to intense scrutiny from fans, legal experts, and the media. As the case develops further, it is essential to maintain an objective perspective and wait for the judicial process to unfold before making any conclusions.
It is crucial to respect the privacy and rights of all involved parties, and to allow the legal system to address this matter in a fair and thorough manner.