Acquitted: Former Canadian hockey players cleared in sexual assault case

Ex-Hockey Players Acquitted in Sexual Assault Case

A judge in Ontario acquitted five former members of Canada’s junior hockey team in a sexual assault case. The decision was based on a lack of credibility in the plaintiff’s accusations, according to Judge Maria Carroccia. Former players Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, who pleaded not guilty, were acquitted of the charges. The incident occurred in a hotel room in London, Ontario, on June 19, 2018. The trial, which included a mistrial and the dismissal of the jury, generated great anticipation for years. Judge Carroccia explained that inconsistencies in the plaintiff’s statements and her tendency to blame others were key factors in the decision. The judge also noted that the surveillance videos from the bar and hotel, along with the testimonies of others, did not support the woman’s claim of being drunk during the night.

Alex Formenton, one of the five former junior hockey players who pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, arrives Thursday at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario. McLeod was also acquitted of a separate charge of being an accomplice to the crime. The players, now between 25 and 27 years old, were in London for a gala and a golf tournament celebrating their championship victory. Their lawyers celebrated the decision as a “complete vindication”.

She had never experienced not being believed like that before.

Karen Bellehumeur, lawyer for the plaintiff

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, expressed her disappointment with the outcome, highlighting that her client fully cooperated with the criminal justice system. The NHL has stated that players remain ineligible to play in the league while the judge’s findings are reviewed. The NHL Players’ Association argues that players should have the opportunity to return to the ice. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham thanked the plaintiff for appearing and announced that her team will review the judge’s decision within the 30-day appeal period. The woman testified that she felt compelled to act as she did due to the situation she was in. Defense attorneys questioned her testimony, suggesting that she actively participated in the sexual activity. Two short videos taken by McLeod the night of the encounter were presented in court. Protesters gathered in front of the courthouse in support of the plaintiff, whose identity was kept secret during the trial. The accusations were not made public until the players were charged in early 2024. At that time, several of them were playing in the NHL. All of them took an indefinite leave. The NHL began its investigation in 2022.