The trial date for the five professional hockey players facing sexual assault charges in Canada is expected to be scheduled at a hearing on June 11, according to a report by The Athletic on Tuesday.
The players’ attorneys were informed of the upcoming scheduling date during a virtual appearance before Justice Alissa Mitchell. The trial, which involves five players from Canada’s 2018 World Juniors hockey team, with four of them having started the 2023-24 season on NHL rosters, is not expected to commence until the fall.
On February 5, the police confirmed in a news conference that sexual assault charges had been brought against Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton. Each player is facing one count of sexual assault, with McLeod having an additional charge of being party to an offense.
It is important to note that the players have all denied any criminal wrongdoing and no allegations have been substantiated. Formenton, a former NHL forward, was playing in Switzerland at the time of his arrest, while the other four were active NHL players who have taken paid leaves of absences from their respective teams. This includes Hart from the Philadelphia Flyers, Dube from the Calgary Flames, and McLeod and Foote from the New Jersey Devils.
The accused have been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room in London, Ontario, after a Hockey Canada Foundation fundraiser in June 2018. In May 2022, TSN reported that a woman, identified only by her initials in court documents, settled a £3.55 million lawsuit she had filed against Hockey Canada and other defendants, including eight unnamed players.
This is a serious and sensitive matter that requires thorough legal proceedings to ensure justice for all parties involved. As the trial date is yet to be confirmed, it emphasizes the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold and for the allegations to be addressed in a fair and impartial manner.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for the sports industry and beyond. As such, it is imperative to exercise discretion and respect for all involved while keeping a keen eye on the developments as they unfold.
In the meantime, the focus remains on the legal process and the significance of upholding the principles of justice and accountability in handling such matters.
–Field Level Media