Judge to Deliver Verdict Today in London Hockey Sexual Assault Trial
A judge in Ontario is set to deliver her decision today in a sexual assault trial involving five former Hockey Canada players. The case has drawn national attention and raised questions about consent, accountability, and hockey culture in Canada.
Who’s on Trial?
The accused are:
- Michael McLeod
- Carter Hart
- Alex Formenton
- Dillon Dube
- Callan Foote
All five are former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. They have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. McLeod faces an extra charge for allegedly helping organize the incident.
What Happened?
The alleged assault happened on June 19, 2018, in a London, Ontario hotel room. The complainant said she first had consensual sex with McLeod, whom she met earlier that night. Later, other players entered the room.
The Crown says McLeod invited his teammates, using texts to ask if they wanted a “three-way.” He also told one teammate to come by for a “gummer,” a slang term for oral sex.
The woman testified that she was naked and drunk when strangers began showing up. She said the men laughed at her and took turns performing sexual acts without her consent. She said she mentally “shut down.”
What Do the Defence Teams Say?
The defence claims the woman was willing and encouraging. They argue she exaggerated how drunk she was and later changed her story. Some players say she asked them directly if they wanted to have sex. Hart was the only accused to testify. Two other teammates also told the court the woman was being playful and inviting.
Why the Case Matters
The trial has lasted over two months, with nine witnesses. The woman testified from a separate room to avoid being in the same space as the accused.
Advocates say the case highlights how hard it is for survivors to seek justice. Many worry today’s verdict could affect how other survivors view the legal system.
Experts say fewer than 6% of sexual assaults are reported to police. Very few lead to charges or trials. Most survivors don’t come forward at all.
What’s Next?
Justice Maria Carroccia will deliver her ruling today. It marks the end of a long legal process—seven years after the alleged incident took place.
Do you think cases like this help or hurt survivors’ trust in the justice system?
More…
- https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/judge-set-to-deliver-ruling-today-in-london-hockey-trial-1.2338630
- https://www.thestar.com/news/morning-digest/its-decision-day-for-hockey-canada-trial-canadian-businesses-are-worried-about-the-fate-of/article_b1d8db22-fd19-45cf-96da-0c8c88c65334.html
- https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/07/24/youre-not-alone-local-advocates-react-to-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial
