The landscape of Canadian hockey has been marred by a severe scandal that has cast a shadow over the sport. The fallout has seen four players, currently on NHL rosters, left without new contracts by their respective teams. This decision follows the charges filed earlier this year and ongoing investigations that ensued after a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team.
In February, five players connected to these allegations faced charges in London, Ontario. These players decided to take a leave of absence from their teams as investigations continued. Those affected include Philadelphia Flyers' goaltender Carter Hart, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, and Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube. The absence of qualifying offers for these players has rendered them free agents, leaving their professional futures hanging in the balance.
The catalyst for this scandal was a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a woman who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the Canadian team following a fundraising gala in London in 2018. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit, which spurred further investigations into the incident. According to reports, Hockey Canada maintained two secret funds to resolve claims of sexual assault and abuse, which has further tainted the organization's reputation.
The alleged incident occurred on June 19, 2018, at the Delta Hotel London Armouries. The woman, who was then 20 years old, claimed that a player, referred to as "John Doe #1," took her to a hotel room and subsequently invited seven other men to perform undisclosed sexual acts. She alleged that the men intimidated her and prevented her from leaving the room, before directing her to take a shower and asking her to state on video that she was sober.
Following these events, London Police were notified later that day by a relative of the victim, prompting an initial investigation that was closed in 2019 without charges. However, the filing of the lawsuit in 2022 led to the reopening of the investigation, resulting in charges against five team members. Among those charged is Alex Formenton, formerly an NHL player and now with Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta.
In response to these allegations, the NHL launched its own investigation in 2022. As a result, the four NHL players involved were placed on paid leave until the end of this month. With their recent release into free agency, their future in professional hockey remains uncertain as they await the legal outcomes of this case.
The repercussions of this scandal have reverberated through the corridors of Canadian hockey, illuminating the urgent need for organizational introspection and reform. The charges have prompted a broader conversation about the culture within the sport and the mechanisms in place to address such serious allegations.
Detective Sgt. Katherine Dann from the London Police succinctly encapsulated the gravity of the situation, explaining that charges were filed “for all the charges we have reasonable grounds for.” This statement underscores the thoroughness and determination of the ongoing investigations to ensure accountability and justice.
As the legal process unfolds, the affected players and the broader hockey community will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the scandal's impact. Regardless of the outcomes, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the significant work that lies ahead to restore the integrity of Canadian hockey and ensure the safety and respect of all individuals associated with the sport.