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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL: Acquitted players in sexual assault case 'ineligible' to play pending review
The NHL said the five players acquitted of sexual assault in the Hockey Canada case aren't eligible to play in the league while it conducts a review of the case. 'The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing and the behavior at issue was unacceptable,' the league said in a statement on Thursday, July 24, according to The Athletic. 'We will be reviewing and considering the judge's findings. While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the league.' Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were found not guilty of sexual assault by a judge on Thursday and McLeod was acquitted of a secondary charge of being a party to the offense. All five were in London, Ontario, in June 2018 for a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold medal in the world junior hockey championship. Police charged them with sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room, but Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that she didn't find the complainant's evidence "credible or reliable." All but Formenton were with NHL teams at the time they were charged in February 2024. The other four took leaves of absence and were cut loose when their teams didn't give them qualifying offers that June. All five are unrestricted free agents. The NHL Players' Association disagreed with the league's action, noting that the players had been acquitted of all charges. "After missing more than a full season of their respective NHL careers, they should now have the opportunity to return to work," the NHLPA said in a statement. "The NHL's declaration that the Players are 'ineligible' to play pending its further analysis of the Court's findings is inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA. We are addressing this dispute with the League and will have no further comment at this time." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL bars acquitted ex-Hockey Canada players pending review
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL: Acquitted players in sexual assault case 'ineligible' to play pending review
The NHL said the five players acquitted of sexual assault in the Hockey Canada case aren't eligible to play in the league while it conducts a review of the case. 'The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing and the behavior at issue was unacceptable,' the league said in a statement on Thursday, July 24, according to The Athletic. 'We will be reviewing and considering the judge's findings. While we conduct that analysis and determine next steps, the players charged in this case are ineligible to play in the league.' Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were found not guilty of sexual assault by a judge on Thursday and McLeod was acquitted of a secondary charge of being a party to the offense. All five were in London, Ontario, in June 2018 for a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold medal in the world junior hockey championship. Police charged them with sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room, but Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that she didn't find the complainant's evidence "credible or reliable." All but Formenton were with NHL teams at the time they were charged in February 2024. The other four took leaves of absence and were cut loose when their teams didn't give them qualifying offers that June. All five are unrestricted free agents. The NHL Players' Association disagreed with the league's action, noting that the players had been acquitted of all charges. "After missing more than a full season of their respective NHL careers, they should now have the opportunity to return to work," the NHLPA said in a statement. "The NHL's declaration that the Players are 'ineligible' to play pending its further analysis of the Court's findings is inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA. We are addressing this dispute with the League and will have no further comment at this time." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL bars acquitted ex-Hockey Canada players pending review
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Hockey Canada sexual assault trial judge faces career-defining moment with high-stakes sexual assault verdict
Justice Maria Carroccia is set to deliver the verdict in the highly anticipated Hockey Canada sexual assault trial on July 24, 2025 (Image via The Canadian Press) Justice Maria Carroccia has spent a lifetime in the trenches of criminal law—from defending clients in Windsor's busiest courtrooms to overseeing complex trials from the bench. But now, all eyes are on her as she prepares to deliver one of the most anticipated rulings in Canadian legal history: the verdict in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. From Windsor's murder trials to a case that captivated the country Before taking on the Hockey Canada case, Justice Maria Carroccia presided over a lengthy and emotionally charged murder trial in Windsor, where three men were convicted in the killing of a young woman over drugs and money. Known for her calm demeanor and legal precision, her courtroom style has earned praise from even the most seasoned lawyers. 'She's very steady, very calm,' said Toronto defence attorney Christopher Hicks. 'She would listen to you. I want to be able to discuss the law with the judge.' Maria Carroccia's legal decisions shaped by years of high-stakes experience Carroccia, a former top defence lawyer and daughter of Italian immigrants, was appointed to the Superior Court in 2020. Her approach is grounded in empathy and clarity. 'A judge's decision ought to make sense to an ordinary person, not just to lawyers, scholars and other judges,' she once wrote. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Plastic Surgeon Reveals The 1 Thing Every Woman Should Be Using Instead Of Moisturiser New Skin Discovery Undo That guiding principle will be especially important on July 24, when she delivers her judgment in a case involving five former NHL players accused of a 2018 group sexual assault in London, Ontario. Amid two failed jury selections and mounting public scrutiny, Carroccia made the bold decision to proceed with the case without a jury. It was a pivotal move that, according to Hicks, kept the trial from unraveling: 'They all got on board because of her.' As the country waits, Justice Carroccia's verdict will be more than a legal outcome—it will be a defining moment. Also Read: Hockey Canada sexual assault trial: Legal reckoning nears for ex-Hockey Canada players as judge weighs verdict FAQs 1. Who is the judge overseeing the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial? Justice Maria Carroccia, a seasoned criminal law expert and former defence lawyer, is presiding over the case. 2. When will the verdict in the Hockey Canada trial be delivered? The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on July 24, 2025. 3. What are the charges against the five former NHL players in the Hockey Canada case? They are each charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged 2018 incident following a Hockey Canada gala. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'A case about consent and equally about what is not consent": Crown Attorney outlines shocking accusations in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Hockey Canada sexual assault trial (via Getty Images) The high-profile sexual assault trial of five ex-Hockey Canada junior players—Michael McLeod , Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, and Cal Foote—entered a crucial stage on Wednesday when the Crown began its case in Ontario Superior Court . Crown attorney Heather Donkers characterized the trial as essentially about consent—and more importantly, about what is not consent. The matter surrounds charges dating from June 2018, wherein a woman said she was sexually assaulted after an event held for Hockey Canada at a gala night in London, Ontario. Crown outlines allegations against former Hockey Canada players in consent-focused trial Sexual assault trial of ex-world junior hockey players begins | Hanomansing Tonight In a case already receiving broad national attention, Assistant Crown Attorney Heather Donkers alleged the complainant was sexually assaulted by the five defendants in a hotel room after a night out following a Hockey Canada celebration. 'This count relates to the anticipated evidence that throughout the night, Mr. McLeod assisted and encouraged his teammates to engage sexually with (E.M.), knowing she had not consented,' Donkers said. 'This is a case about consent. And equally as important, this is a case about what is not consent.' Donkers explained there was a first consensual sexual encounter between Michael McLeod and E.M., but subsequent ones were non-consensual. She reported that McLeod supposedly invited teammates into the room through text messages and direct calls while E.M. remained in the room and was intoxicated. One of the messages supposedly sent by McLeod was, 'Who wants to be in a three-way quick? 209, Mikey.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tetovo: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The Crown said that while E.M. did not necessarily say 'no' or physically struggle, her lack of consent was based on a situation where she felt she had no choice. 'At age 20, intoxicated, and a group of large men that she did not know were speaking to each other as if she were not there, and then they started telling her to do certain things; she did not feel that she had a choice in the matter,' Donkers said to the jury. 'On occasion, she tried to leave the room, but the men coaxed her into staying. And so, she found herself going through the motions, just trying to get through the night by doing and saying what she believed they wanted. We further anticipate you will hear evidence from (E.M.) – and from others as well – that the defendants took no steps to ensure there was affirmative consent when they touched her.' Donkers added, noting that E.M. attempted to leave the hotel room but was coaxed into staying. Defense enters plea of not guilty as judge reminds jury of impartial obligation All five ex-NHL players—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, and Cal Foote—have entered pleas of not guilty to one count each of sexual assault. Michael McLeod also has an additional charge of being a party to the offense by allegedly facilitating the group encounter. Judge Carroccia also reminded jurors not to discuss the case outside the courtroom, reminding them that impartiality is the hallmark of the judicial process. Case reopens focus on Hockey Canada and earlier settlement This trial comes after years of public criticism and legal progress. The case became a national story when Hockey Canada quietly resolved a civil lawsuit with the complainant in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, sparking questions regarding transparency and accountability in high-level sports culture. The trial, now ongoing since 2024 after the players were officially charged, is likely to go deep into the culture of elite hockey and what, if anything, was done to guarantee responsible conduct. Also read: 'The matter has been resolved': Alleged sexual assault case against New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin Throughout the hearings, the Crown has indicated that the verdict will depend on the jury's interpretation of consent—and their willingness to consider what occurs when that consent is not present, implied, or forced. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
