In recent months, Canadian hockey has been rocked by a significant scandal that has captured both national and international attention. The controversy centers around allegations of sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team. Four players currently on NHL rosters, who found themselves ensnared in the fallout, now face an uncertain future as their respective teams have decided not to offer them new contracts.
Among these players are Philadelphia Flyers' goaltender Carter Hart, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, and Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube. These athletes have not received qualifying offers for new contracts, effectively making them free agents. This decision follows charges filed earlier this year and ongoing investigations that stemmed from a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by members of the 2018 world junior squad in London, Ontario.
Back in February, charges were brought against five players linked to these serious allegations. In the wake of these legal actions, the players took a leave of absence from their respective teams. The lawsuit that initiated these proceedings was filed in 2022 by a woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the Canadian team following a fundraising gala in 2018.
The incident allegedly took place on June 19, 2018, at the Delta Hotel London Armouries. As per the lawsuit, a player, referred to in documents as "John Doe #1," allegedly took the then 20-year-old woman to a hotel room and invited seven other men to participate in undisclosed sexual acts. The woman asserted that she was intimidated and prevented from leaving. Additionally, she was reportedly directed to take a shower and to declare on video that she was sober at the time of the incident.
London Police were informed of the incident later that day by a relative of the victim, instigating an investigation which, unfortunately, was closed in 2019 without any charges. However, the lawsuit's filing in 2022 re-ignited the investigation, leading to charges against five members of the team.
Among the charged is Alex Formenton, formerly an NHL player and currently with the Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta. As the charges and investigations continue, the NHL has also launched its own probe into the matter last year.
Detective Sergeant Katherine Dann from the London Police commented on the situation, highlighting the seriousness of the charges: "for all the charges we have reasonable grounds for." The players involved were placed on paid leave until the end of this month, leaving their professional futures uncertain as they await the legal outcomes.
Hockey Canada’s handling of the situation has also come under intense scrutiny. It came to light that Hockey Canada had maintained two secret funds specifically for resolving claims of sexual assault and abuse. This revelation has prompted calls for significant organizational introspection and reform within Canadian hockey.
The repercussions of this scandal have reverberated far beyond the immediate circles of those involved, casting a shadow over the sport in one of its heartlands. As the legal process unfolds, the affected players and their respective teams will have to navigate the challenging path that lies ahead. The scandal serves as a critical juncture for Canadian hockey, underlining the pressing need for accountability and systemic change within the sport's governing bodies.