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Judge Acquits Five Former World Junior Hockey Players in Sexual Assault Case

Justice Maria Carroccia found the complainant’s testimony unreliable, concluding the Crown failed to meet its burden of proving non-consent beyond a reasonable doubt.

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FILE - 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, Ontario, Canada, April 22, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP, file)
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Overview

  • Justice Maria Carroccia delivered the verdict on July 24, 2025, clearing Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod and Alex Formenton of all charges.
  • The trial, which began April 22, faced two mistrials and two jury dismissals before shifting to a judge-only format in mid-May.
  • Carroccia cited inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements, surveillance video and post-incident recordings as reasons for her ruling.
  • Hockey Canada’s use of registration-fee funds to settle a related civil lawsuit in 2022 sparked leadership resignations, sponsor withdrawals and a reopened police investigation leading to criminal charges.
  • Commissioner Gary Bettman has deferred decisions on the players’ NHL eligibility, leaving them as unrestricted free agents after being placed on indefinite leave and not receiving qualifying offers.