"Major Development: NHL Teams Decline Contracts for Players Involved in 2018 World Junior Sexual Assault Case"

Sunday, June 30th, 2024

Four previous participants of Canada's 2018 junior hockey team, including three active NHL players, are currently facing sexual assault accusations after a lawsuit was initiated against Hockey Canada in 2022.

Goaltender Carter Hart from the Philadelphia Flyers, forwards Michael McLeod and Cal Foote from the New Jersey Devils, along with forward Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames were not extended qualifying offers by their teams, making them unrestricted free agents.

These NHL players were placed on paid leave by their teams since the accusations surfaced in February. They are set to go to trial following claims by a woman that she was sexually assaulted by eight team members after a gala in London, Ontario, in 2018.

The alleged incident took place in a hotel room during the early morning hours, with one accused reportedly taking the victim to the bar before meeting her again later.

Hockey Canada resolved the lawsuit, with an investigation uncovering that the organization had two undisclosed funds allocated for settling sexual assault and abuse claims.

The NHL commenced its own investigation in 2022 and has committed to publishing the results. However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted that the extent of disclosure will depend on legal constraints.

Charges have been brought against Hart, McLeod, Foote, Dube, and former NHL player Alex Formenton. McLeod also faces accusations of aiding in the sexual assault offense.

Defense attorneys for all five players assert their clients' innocence and intend to contest the charges vigorously.

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