The world of Canadian hockey has been shaken by a significant scandal involving allegations of sexual assault by members of the 2018 world junior team. This has led to unprecedented actions by several NHL teams.
Players Without Contracts
Four players currently on NHL rosters have felt the immediate impact, with their teams opting not to offer them new contracts. Philadelphia Flyers' goaltender Carter Hart, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, and Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube now find themselves as free agents. This decision comes in the wake of charges filed earlier this year and ongoing investigations.
The roots of this scandal trace back to a 2022 lawsuit. A woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the Canadian team following a fundraising gala in London, Ontario, in 2018. The revelations prompted further investigations and significant backlash within the hockey community.
Investigations and Legal Actions
In February, charges were filed against five players connected to the allegations. This led to involved players taking leaves of absence from their teams. “For all the charges we have reasonable grounds for,” noted Detective Sgt. Katherine Dann from the London Police, highlighting the seriousness and gravity of the ongoing legal process.
Additionally, Alex Formenton, previously an NHL player currently with the Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta, has also been charged with sexual assault. The resulting NFL investigations have put additional scrutiny on the organizations and the sport as a whole.
Details of the Incident
The incident reportedly occurred on June 19, 2018, at the Delta Hotel London Armouries. The victim, then 20 years old, claims a player identified as "John Doe #1" took her to a hotel room and coerced seven other men to perform various undisclosed sexual acts. The woman alleges that the men prevented her from leaving, directed her to take a shower, and made her state on video that she was sober.
London Police were notified of the incident later that day by the victim's relative, which led to an initial investigation that was closed in 2019 without charges being filed. However, the filing of the lawsuit in 2022 resulted in the reopening of the case and subsequent charges against five team members.
Hockey Canada's Response
Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that Hockey Canada maintained two secret funds to resolve claims of sexual assault and abuse. This discovery has led to calls for significant organizational introspection and reform within the governing body.
The implications of these allegations and their handling by authorities and the NHL have highlighted the need for a more transparent and accountable system. The actions taken by the teams involved, including releasing players into free agency, underscore the depth of the scandal and its impact on professional careers.
Uncertain Futures
The professional futures of the implicated players remain in limbo as they await the outcomes of ongoing legal and league investigations. Meanwhile, the larger hockey community grapples with the repercussions, urging a broader conversation about safety, conduct, and accountability within the sport.
This scandal serves as a grim reminder of the pressing need for change in the handling of sexual assault allegations within sports organizations. The coming months will be crucial in determining not just the fate of the involved players but also the potential reforms that could reshape the landscape of Canadian hockey.