Hockey Canada Trial Ends in Acquittal for Five Former NHL Players

Five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior ice hockey team were found not guilty of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. The accused — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote — had all pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which involved a woman identified as E.M. following a Hockey Canada gala.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia delivered the verdict after an eight-week trial, stating that she did not find the complainant’s testimony credible or reliable. The central issue was whether E.M. had consented to the sexual acts that occurred in the hotel room. The judge cited inconsistencies in her statements and noted that her recollections appeared uncertain and exaggerated, particularly regarding her level of intoxication.

Only one of the accused, Carter Hart, testified in his own defense. Defense lawyers argued that E.M. had willingly participated in the sexual activity and that her later regret did not equate to non-consent. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts were presented to support their case.

The case had drawn national attention and led to significant scrutiny of Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations. In 2022, Hockey Canada reached a C$3.5 million settlement with the complainant, prompting leadership changes and a public reckoning within the organization.

While the criminal trial has concluded, the broader implications for Hockey Canada and its culture remain under review, including an ongoing appeal of an internal adjudicative panel’s findings on player conduct.