Judge to decide in sexual assault trial that shook Canadian hockey.
Judge Maria Carroccia to Rule on Credited Sexual Assault Claims in London
The impending verdict will be delivered by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia at 10:00 a.m. local time (2:00 p.m. GMT) before an anticipated full courtroom in London, Ontario.
Background of the Trial
- Five former National Hockey League players—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, and Callan Foote—stand accused of sexual assault in a hotel room on the heels of a June 2018 celebration for a national men’s junior team.
- The complainant, who is 20 at the time of the alleged incidents and whose identity is protected, met McLeod at a bar in London before engaging in sexual acts with him.
- The core of the legal dispute is events subsequent to McLeod’s message to a team‑wide group chat asking if anyone was interested in a “three‑way.”
- Prosecutors contend the players proceeded without ensuring the complainant’s free and explicit consent. Defense lawyers counter that the woman participated willingly and only later alleged assault because of remorse.
Legal Process and Juror History
The trial was originally scheduled for a jury‑based decision. However, after two jury dismissals to preserve fairness, the case was converted to a judge‑only trial under Carroccia’s oversight.
Consent Definition and Evidence
Canadian law requires voluntary, freely given, contemporaneous consent for every sexual act. Western University professor Melanie Randall emphasized the inapplicability of “consent videos” presented by McLeod, noting that post‑event filming cannot confirm real consent.
Impact on Hockey Culture
- Some commentators deny that the case points to systemic issues within hockey, claiming the sport remains a positive influence for many young athletes.
- Professor Simon Darnell of the University of Toronto, focusing on sport for development and peace, argues that failing to see this case as part of a broader pattern would miss the need for a systemic approach to positive masculinity within the sport.
- Regardless of the judge’s final ruling, Darnell stresses the hotel room conduct requires institutional attention.
Hockey Canada and Settlement Controversy
Initial police investigations produced no charges. Subsequent media probes uncovered Hockey Canada’s use of subscription fee funds—amounting to a $3.55 million CAD ($2.6 million USD) out‑of‑court settlement—to cover the woman’s claims. This financial maneuver forced the resignation of Hockey Canada’s leadership and prompted London police to re‑open the investigation under a female detective specialized in sexual assault.
