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Sports Editor: Tom Dunford

Email: tdunford@umassd.edu

Trigger Warning: Discussion of Sexual Assault

There has been a lot of breaking news in the NHL over the past few weeks, and it’s hard to keep up with all the information.

Today, we will be breaking down what exactly is going on, not just in the NHL but also with Hockey Canada and the future trial of these former five gold medalists. 

What Exactly Is Happening?

This story stems back more than just the last month. In fact, the story begins six years ago. 

All of Canada, and most of the hockey world for that matter, had its eyes on the 2018 World Junior Cup. The U-20 Men’s World Junior Cup was the most prominent time to watch future NHL talent showcase their abilities. Canada was able to defeat Sweden 3-1. 

To celebrate, Hockey Canada had a gala for the team, and that is where this story takes full fruition.

A woman, who has chosen to remain nameless, had filed a report to the London Ontario police that eight players on the team had sexually assaulted her. The police and Hockey Canada held an investigation, and no charges were filed.

That was, until April 2022, when the victim filed a claim with the Ontario Supreme Court for 3.5 million dollars in damages from not just the players, but also Hockey Canada. A behind-closed-doors deal was made with the victim, and that looked to be the end of it. 

Hockey Canada’s Role In the Canadian Government

Now, to most readers, this might beg the question: what exactly is Hockey Canada? 

It’s no secret that hockey is a big part of Canada’s history. They even have kids playing hockey on the back of the five-dollar bill. The Canadian government has a branch specifically for all things hockey known as Hockey Canada. 

Hockey Canada runs all things hockey, overseeing programs and development camps, eyeing itself to maintain leadership as the best country in terms of hockey. According to HockeyCanada.ca, “The organization works in conjunction with the 13 member branches, the Canadian Hockey League and U Sports in growing the game at all levels.”

So why does Hockey Canada play a significant role in this breaking case? 

Well, in July 2022, it was reported that Hockey Canada had been using its “National Equity Funds,” which were minor hockey league payments, to pay off uninsured liabilities, including those affected by SA or other vicious crimes. 

Following these claims, Hockey Canada’s president and CEO, Scott Smith, and other board members all resigned. Funding for Hockey Canada had been frozen from then until it was restored with a short leash in April 2023. Along with the resignations, London police began a new investigation into the 2018 scandal. 

What’s going on now?

It felt like it was a matter of time before the London police uncovered information, leaving fans waiting. 

Very few people truly knew who was being investigated, and the information was hidden from the public. The teams began to take action while the investigation was going on to kickstart the 2023-2024 NHL season. 

Players from the junior team refused to comment to the press on the ensuing investigation. It felt like it was a waiting game. 

Then, the first domino fell.

Taking a leave of absence is common for hockey players. An 82-game season that has a player traveling the entire American landscape can take a toll on them, and when the report that Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube was taking a “mental health leave” on January 21st, no one batted an eye, as a mental health leave is applauded in the hockey world.

Then, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart took an indefinite leave of absence for “personal reasons.” 

Two players from the 2018 World Junior Cup team taking leave of absence in a two-day span was not something to look past, and the curtain began to open.

The London Ontario Police gained new evidence and demanded the five players surrender to be trialed for sexual assault. With the breaking news, NL player Alex Formenton and New Jersey Devil’s players Michael McLeod and Cal Foote all took an indefinite leave of absence from their respective teams. 

The NHL and NHLPA have declined to announce any new information, only saying that they granted players their respective leave of absence from the clubs. 

What’s Next For The Five Players?

The players now await trial, which is looking to begin in 2026. It’s unclear if the players will be allowed to travel to America and if they will ever be able to play in the NHL again. 

All five players have pleaded not guilty to the charge of one count of sexual assault. 

Along with the charge of sexual assault, Michael McLeod faces an additional charge for “being a party to the offense.” 

There have been no additional updates, but when/if any new information comes out, this article will be updated.