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Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Listen: Reflecting on the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
The five former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team who were charged with sexual assault and acquitted. Left to right; Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart Canadian Press
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hockey Canada Trial Verdict Expected Tomorrow for Former Devils McLeod and Foote
Tomorrow, July 24, 2025, the results of the Hockey Canada trial will be announced. The trial involves two former New Jersey Devils players, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, along with three other members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey Team. The five players, McLeod, Carter Hart, Foote, Dillon Dubé, and Alex Formenton, have been on trial since 2022 and are set to receive the judge's verdict on Thursday regarding the sexual assault case they are allegedly involved in. Trial Recap A woman, identified as E.M., accused eight members of the 2018 Hockey Canada World Junior team of sexually assaulting her after a fundraising gala in London, Ontario. A relative of the victim reported the incident to London police in 2018, prompting an investigation. However, the case was initially closed without charges. The case resurfaced in 2022 when the woman sued Hockey Canada for $3.55 million in damages. The organization quickly settled, but the settlement triggered a deeper investigation into Hockey Canada, revealing two secret funds used to pay settlements related to sexual assault and abuse. Following the discovery, police charged five members of the 2018 team with sexual assault. All five players pleaded not guilty, with McLeod also facing a separate count of being a party to the offense. The trial began in 2022 and has gone on for three years. Out of all of the players, Carter Hart was the only defendant to testify in his own defense. None of the five players have appeared in an NHL game since stepping away from their teams in 2022. After three years of legal proceedings, including a mistrial and the dismissal of the second jury, the verdict will now be rendered by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. Seven years after the alleged incident, the players will finally learn if they are found guilty or not guilty. What Could This Mean? At the time the charges were filed, McLeod was a power forward for the Devils, having played six seasons with the team after being drafted 12th overall in 2016. Known for his size and skill, he appeared in 45 games during the 2021-22 season before stepping away due to the trial. Foote, a two-way defenseman, joined the Devils for the 2023-24 season but spent most of that year with the Utica Comets. Since then, both players have taken their careers overseas, Foote with MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš in Slovakia's Extraliga and McLeod with Avangard Omsk in the KHL. It's unlikely either will ever return to the Devils, though that decision may ultimately rest with the NHL. If the players are found not guilty, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will determine whether they are allowed to return to the league. At the 2024 All-Star Weekend, Bettman told "There is a serious judicial process that looks like it's unfolding and we didn't, while we were doing our investigation, want to interfere with what the London Police Service was doing and we're not going to do anything to interfere or influence the judicial proceedings. We're all going to have to see how that plays out, and we will then be in a position to respond appropriately, which we will do." As of last season, Bettman had not ruled out the possibility of the accused players returning to the NHL. That discussion, however, can only begin once the verdict is delivered. The two former Devils have already moved their careers overseas, as they await the news that will be released tomorrow, seven years after the alleged incident. Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
CBC
6 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Judge's decisions in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial are Thursday. Here's what could happen
Social Sharing WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it. On Thursday, Justice Maria Carroccia will deliver her decisions in the world junior hockey sexual assault trial — a case that dates back to 2018 and has manoeuvred numerous curves as it played out over eight weeks in a London, Ont., court. Five former players are charged with sexually assaulting a woman, known as E.M. due to a standard publication ban, in a hotel room in June 2018 while the team was in the southwestern Ontario city to celebrate their world championship win months earlier. Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod have all pleaded not guilty. McLeod faces an additional charge of being party to an offence for his alleged role in facilitating the assaults. The sexual assault charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. The trial, which began in Superior Court in early April and wrapped with closing arguments in mid-June, was roiled by procedural drama. A mistrial was declared within the first week, and a new jury had to be selected after a defence lawyer and a juror had a brief interaction over the lunch hour. A second jury was discharged after a juror sent a note accusing one of the defence teams of making fun of the jury. Carroccia and the lawyers then opted to move forward with a judge-alone trial. There were numerous arguments and trials within the trial about evidence, witnesses testifying to not remembering certain things under questioning, a long and tense cross-examination of E.M., as well as protests outside the court by people supporting E.M., and others backing the players. At the outset, the Crown emphasized that what is and isn't consent would be key in the trial. Leading up to Thursday's rulings, CBC spoke to Toronto-based lawyers Andrew Furgiuele and Gillian Hnatiw, who are not associated with the trial, to get insight and their views on possible outcomes. What if all the players are found not guilty? "They're done. They are free to go and subject to any potential Crown appeal," said Furgiuele, a criminal defence lawyer. "Their time as accused people would be over and they would be moving on with their lives. "That would be the end of the case and the end of the road for the prosecution in terms of trying to get a conviction against them. They'd be free." What if they are all found guilty? "Then the judge will have to decide whether they will continue to be released on bail or whether they'll be held pending sentencing," said Hnatiw, a civil litigator who frequently handles sexual assault cases. "I expect that they would be released and that a date for sentencing would be set." What if some of the accused are found guilty, some are not? "The people who are found not guilty move on," Furgiuele said. "For the individuals who would be found guilty on that hypothetical, they would move towards sentencing. And then after the sentencing is done, if they wish to appeal their conviction, that would happen after that." Then there is McLeod, the only former player facing an extra charge, of being party to the offence. "I think that it would be possible for him to be party to someone else's offence," said Hnatiw. "And so he could, in theory, be acquitted of sexual assault, but be found party to someone else's offence." If there are any guilty findings, how would sentencing proceed? "There are guidelines that sentences are supposed to be pronounced, generally speaking, within six to nine months," said Furgiuele. "Realistically, by the time both sides, both the Crown and the defence, got all the sentencing materials that they would want to get together and time was made for a sentencing hearing, you'd be looking at a few months." Typically, before sentencing, judges will consider the background of each individual and their psychological states, said Hnatiw. They would also consider whether it was a first offence and whether the individual expressed remorse at the sentencing hearing. What if the Crown appeals? If the Crown doesn't like any of Carroccia's decisions, it has 30 days to file a notice of appeal, which would set out legal flaws in her reasoning. "The reasons are her roadmap, her legal roadmap as to how she made her decision. And those reasons are ultimately what would need to be scrutinized before either the Crown or the defence could assess whether they had much of a chance on appeal at all," said Hnatiw. "After that, it will go quiet for some time because they will be ordering and preparing the transcripts of all the evidence from the trial." WATCH | What we heard during June closing submissions at Hockey Canada sex assault trial: Closing arguments wrap at hockey sexual assault trial 1 month ago Hnatiw said there typically might not be any new evidence brought before a Court of Appeal. "They're really just scrutinizing what was before the trial judge and listening to arguments from lawyers about whether she got something wrong. You can obviously bring an application for fresh evidence, but that's a rabbit hole." However, Carroccia did rule to exclude some evidence from the trial: a text exchange between two witnesses described Dubé slapping E.M.'s buttocks, which the Crown fought to use. "If the Crown was to appeal any of these rulings and say that if we'd have been permitted to introduce this evidence, then the verdict may have been different, then they would be able to bring that before the Court of Appeal as part of the paper record," said Hnatiw. "It's very, very difficult for the Crown on appeal to get a conviction entered," said Furgiuele. He said the Crown would have to prove a significant error in the judge's legal reasoning and that the reasoning led to the acquittal. "Those would be the hurdles they would have to go over to convince the Appeal Court to overturn the acquittal and order a new trial." Hockey Canada sexual assault trial recap 1 month ago The sexual assault trial of five former world junior hockey players stretched across three months in London, Ont., before finally coming to a close with the last witness. CBC's Katie Nicholson breaks down some of the key moments and testimony. What if the players appeal? Like the Crown, the defence teams have 30 days to file a notice of appeal. "After sentencing is done, they would then go to file a notice at the Court of Appeal to signal their intention to appeal," Furgiuele said. "Accused people who are found guilty and then appeal, they have slightly broader rights of appeal. They can appeal questions of fact, so they can appeal that there's been a misapprehension of a fact, as well as all of the legal errors, or errors in a legal analysis." The statistics, generally speaking, are not good for individuals who appeal, said Furgiuele If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Cal Foote? NHL defenseman and former Stanley Cup champion accused in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Cal Foote, once a rising star in the and a Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is now facing serious legal trouble as one of the players charged in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Foote, the son of former NHL defenceman Adam Foote, was among five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior team indicted for their alleged involvement in a group sexual assault that took place in London, Ontario. The rise of Cal Foote from first-round draft pick to Stanley Cup glory Drafted 14th overall in 2017 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Cal Foote was once viewed as a cornerstone defenseman. He played junior hockey with the Kelowna Rockets and quickly established himself with his size, skill, and NHL pedigree. He signed his entry-level contract with Tampa in 2018 and made his NHL debut during the 2020–21 season. That same season, he became part of the Lightning's championship-winning roster, cementing his status as a young player to watch. Foote later played for the Nashville Predators and had a brief stint with the New Jersey Devils, where he was reunited with his younger brother Nolan. After struggling to secure a permanent NHL role, Foote signed with Slovakian team MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš in 2024. Charges related to the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal On January 30, 2024, Cal Foote was charged with one count of sexual assault in relation to an incident following a Hockey Canada gala in 2018. The London Police Service confirmed the charge days later. The allegations claim that several members of the Canadian national junior team were involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter with a woman in a hotel room. Foote's lawyer has stated that he "is innocent" and intends to fight the charge. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The trial began in April 2025 and has become one of the most talked-about cases in Canadian sports, drawing national attention to systemic issues in hockey culture. Alongside Foote, other prominent former NHL players were also charged. Also Read: While the legal proceedings continue, Foote's future in professional hockey remains uncertain, as he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Devils and now plays overseas.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Crown in World Junior sexual assault trial argues E.M. did not ‘voluntarily agree to charged sexual acts'
A composite image of five photographs show former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., Tuesday, April 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault Lisa Carnelos, lawyer for former world junior hockey player Dillon Dubé, continued her final submissions in a London., Ont., courtroom on Wednesday morning. Carnelos told the court that to this day, none of the players have spoken to Dubé and there is no collusion to make up a story, previously suggested by the Crown. 'This is the most lame attempt at collusion I've seen in my life,' she said. Carnelos argued that based on 'credibility issues' with the complainant, known as E.M., the Crown's case 'must fail.' 'They failed to prove sexual assault allegations made by her,' she said. Dubé along with four other former world junior players – Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod and Alex Formenton – have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an encounter at a hotel room in London in 2018. Final submissions from defence Foote's lawyer, Julianna Greenspan, focused on her client and the 'reliability' and 'credibility' of E.M. Greenspan argued the Crown failed to prove the alleged interaction with Foote occurred 'in a sexual contact.' E.M. previously testified Foote did the splits on her and 'grazed' his genitals on her face in room 209 at the Delta Hotel. Greenspan suggested the Crown's case was 'lacking foundation, contrary to the burden of truth and overreaching for a conviction.' She argued Foote was 'fully clothed' and it was a 'non-threatening' interaction, as shown by Hart's testimony. Hart previously testified that there was no physical contact between E.M. and Foote, and he had his shorts and T-shirt on. Greenspan suggested: 'It was a fun exchange, and you could see her smiling and laughing?' Hart agreed. 'Hart testified it was a cool thing that Foote could do the splits, and that he saw him do it on the dance floor the night before,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued E.M. did not say the person who did the splits on her had no pants on in her 2018 statement with retired police officer Steven Newton. 'The reason she failed to do so is because it did not happen,' said Greenspan. E.M.'s version of the events on the night in question are 'manifestly unreliable' and manifestly 'not credible,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued it was clear in E.M.'s testimony that she 'indeed had an agenda.' The court previously heard E.M. initially refer to the men as 'boys' in her 2018 interview with Newton, but in her testimony call them 'men.' 'The complainant's evidence speaks for herself and reaffirms there was a calculated reason behind her language,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued this 'subtle change' points to a witness who is 'not worthy of belief.' Final submissions from the Crown Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham began her final submissions on Wednesday afternoon, starting by saying E.M., didn't 'voluntarily agree to the charged sexual acts' that took place in the early morning hours of June 18, 2019. The Crown argued Justice Maria Carroccia 'must reject' the theory put forward by defence. Cunningham suggested 'E.M. did not ask for group sex.' She argued McLeod failed to 'affirmatively mention' the '3-way' text he sent to the group chat at 2:09 a.m., during his interview with Newton. 'He had every interest in saying things that made him look less culpable and making it clear E.M. was the instigator,' said Cunningham. Cunningham went on to highlight the text message exchange between E.M. and McLeod on June 20, 2019, where E.M. says she was okay going home with McLeod but not expecting 'everyone else afterwards.' The Crown suggested there is no evidence that E.M. asked for the men to come to the room or told McLeod to invite them. Cunningham argued E.M.'s testimony was clear and consistent in regarding the claim that she was 'surprised' when the other men came into the room. She suggested evidence provided by former World Junior players Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk about how E.M. was behaving supports the claim that she 'did not ask for group sex.' Cunningham reminded the court that both Raddysh and Katchouk testified E.M. did not 'offer' or 'ask' for any sexual contact from them. 'If she had asked McLeod to invite his friends to the room for sexual activity, you would expect her to say something to the first two teammates that entered the room,' said Cunningham. The Crown argued someone was 'offering sexual acts' to McLeod's teammates, but it 'wasn't E.M.' Cunningham suggested McLeod was 'trying to recruit more people' to participate in sexual acts with E.M. Cunningham reminded the court that McLeod texted Raddysh, telling him to come to his room if he wanted 'a gummer,' recruited Katchouk from the hallway, called Hart and knocked on Raddysh's door. 'These are the actions of a man who is personally invested in bringing men into the room to engage sexually with E.M.,' said Cunningham. Cunningham will continue her final submissions on Thursday morning. If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911. A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found on the website for Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada. Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here. National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419 24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366 Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648 Read about your rights as a victim here.
