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Judge Acquits Five Former World Juniors Players in Long-Running Sexual Assault Trial

The verdict found that fear alone cannot invalidate consent under Canadian law, prompting an NHL review of the players’ eligibility

A person walks the sidewalk painted by supporters of the complainant, E.M., whose identity is protected under a standard publication ban, as a judge announced the verdict in the trial of five members of Canada’s 2018 gold medal–winning world junior hockey team, charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room, at the Superior Court of Justice in London, Ontario, Canada, July 24, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
LONDON, CANADA - JULY 24: Supporters for 'E.M' gather outside a London Courthouse, in London, Ontario, Canada on July 24, 2025. Former world junior hockey players Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod, have all pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault of a woman known as 'E.M' due to publication ban on her identity, that allegedly occurred at a London hotel in June 2018 as the team was celebrating their world championship win months earlier.
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Overview

  • Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that the Crown failed to disprove non-consent beyond a reasonable doubt and acquitted Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote
  • The decision underscored that under Canada’s consent statute, fear without explicit refusal does not vitiate consent
  • Carroccia questioned the complainant’s credibility, highlighting inconsistencies between her courtroom testimony and earlier statements on her weight and level of intoxication
  • Evidence revealed Hockey Canada maintained a secret settlement fund for sexual assault claims, a disclosure that spurred sponsor withdrawals and a parliamentary inquiry in 2022
  • The NHL has stated the conduct was unacceptable and is conducting an eligibility review, while the complainant has not yet indicated whether she will appeal