🏒 Five Former Junior Hockey Stars Accused of Group Sexual Assault
The high-profile shockey sexual assault trial trial of five former Canadian junior hockey players — all of whom later played in the NHL — reached its critical phase this week, as both the prosecution and defence delivered their closing arguments in a Toronto courtroom. The trial revolves around an alleged 2018 group assault in a hotel room during a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario.
The accused — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, and Alex Formenton — have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has sparked national debate in Canada and prompted widespread scrutiny of Hockey Canada and the culture surrounding junior hockey.
🚨 What the Woman Alleged
The complainant, identified only as EM due to a publication ban, was 20 years old at the time. She testified that she had consensual sex with one player (McLeod), but non-consensual encounters followed after he invited teammates to the hotel room via text.
According to Crown lawyer Meaghan Cunningham, EM felt trapped and feared for her safety. Cunningham described how the woman was pressured into performing sex acts, including with three additional men, out of fear of what might happen if she refused hockey sexual assault trial.
“She went into auto-pilot,” Cunningham said. “She felt she had no choice.”
📹 The Controversial Video
Key evidence included a video recorded by McLeod after the encounter, where he can be heard asking EM, “You’re OK with this, though, right?” and she responds, “I’m OK with this.”
The Crown argued the video’s timing and phrasing suggest that EM had not consented earlier and that the question was framed to protect the accused rather than reflect genuine consent. Cunningham urged the judge to consider the power dynamics and emotional duress EM was under.
🛡️ Defence Counters with Consent Claims
The defence painted a starkly different picture, accusing EM of being the instigator. Lawyers claimed that she initiated several of the sexual acts and adopted a “porn star persona” — a term EM herself used to describe how she coped during the incident.
“This alone warrants an acquittal,” said Lisa Carnelos, representing Dubé. She and other defence attorneys emphasized that their clients believed they had consent and that EM’s credibility was unreliable under cross-examination.
⚖️ No Jury, One Judge: Final Verdict on 24 July
The trial, which began with a jury, faced early complications, including a mistrial declaration and jury dismissal. Now, Justice Maria Carroccia will decide the outcome alone. The verdict is set to be announced on 24 July 2025.
Observers say this ruling will not only determine the futures of five former NHL players but may also set precedents in how Canadian courts approach group consent, video evidence, and power dynamics in sexual assault cases.
🔍 Background: A Scandal That Shook Hockey Canada
This case has been one of the most publicized criminal proceedings in Canadian sports history. It exposed how Hockey Canada initially used funds to settle sexual assault allegations quietly, leading to a complete overhaul of leadership and funding cuts from sponsors and the federal government.
Formenton, Dubé, and others were benched or distanced by NHL teams following the charges. Some, like Michael McLeod, were playing for teams like the New Jersey Devils at the time the allegations came to light.
📰 Related Coverage on The Morning News Informer
🔚 What Happens Next?
As the country watches closely, Justice Carroccia will now weigh weeks of testimony, video evidence, and conflicting narratives. The ruling on 24 July may bring legal closure, but for many in Canada, the questions about consent, accountability, and hockey culture will remain long after the verdict.
