Hockey Canada sexual assault trial update: Carter Hart breaks silence, claims the woman 'willingly participated" in the sexual activity
Carter Hart testified that the complainant willingly participated in the sexual activity (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press)
The ongoing sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey team took a pivotal turn this week as NHL goalie Carter Hart took the witness stand.
Hart is the first among the accused to testify in the high-profile case that has rocked the Canadian hockey world and drawn national attention since allegations emerged over an incident during a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario.
Group sexual assault case
involving Hockey Canada players continues amid controversy and courtroom disruptions
— CityNewsVAN (@CityNewsVAN)
Carter Hart told the Ontario Superior Court that the woman at the center of the case — identified only as E.M. due to a publication ban — "willingly participated" in the sexual activity that occurred in a hotel room following the June 2018 event.
He claimed E.M. never objected or expressed discomfort during the encounter.
"She willingly participated in the sexual activities... and did not express any objections," Hart stated under oath.
Hart's legal team took a direct aim at the credibility of prosecution witness Brett Howden, an NHL player with the Vegas Golden Knights. Howden, who testified remotely, was cross-examined regarding inconsistencies in his memory of the night.
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Hart's lawyer, Megan Savard, suggested Howden's recollection could be impaired due to a prior head injury, raising doubts about the reliability of his testimony.
Trial plagued by procedural issues and jury dismissal
This trial, which began after a previous one was derailed by a mistrial, has already seen significant disruption. Earlier this month, the jury was dismissed when jurors expressed concern over feeling mocked by defense lawyers — a rare occurrence in Canadian courtrooms.
A prior mistrial had already occurred due to allegations of inappropriate contact between a juror and a defense attorney. As a result, the proceedings are now moving forward without a jury.
While Michael McLeod, another of the accused, will not be testifying, it remains unclear whether Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, or Alex Formenton will take the stand. All five former players have pleaded not guilty to the charges. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense.
Also Read:
'Have s*x in front of nine other guys': Michael McLeod calls hotel group s*x encounter 'weird' as Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal deepens
The case continues under Justice Maria Carroccia, with a publication ban limiting full disclosure of court proceedings. All five accused remain on leave from the NHL and are not currently under contract.
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