Mistrial Declared in Sexual Assault Case Involving Former World Junior Hockey Players

A judge has declared a mistrial in the sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey Team. The players are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario, hotel back in 2018.

What Happened in Court?

On April 25, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia announced that the jury was dismissed, and a mistrial had been declared. The reasons for the mistrial remain confidential due to a publication ban.

“I’m sorry to have to tell you that I have declared a mistrial in this case,” Justice Carroccia told the jury. “As a result, this jury is discharged. Thank you very much for your attention and service, although it was brief.”

This decision comes after days of legal discussions between the judge and the lawyers involved. The case, which dates back nearly seven years, now faces another setback.

Who Are the Accused?

The accused players are Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, and Alex Formenton. They each face one count of sexual assault, and McLeod faces an additional charge for his involvement in the offence. At the time of the alleged assault, these men were prominent NHL players: McLeod and Foote played for the New Jersey Devils, Dubé was with the Calgary Flames, Hart was with the Philadelphia Flyers, and Formenton played for the Ottawa Senators. Since then, Hart has left professional hockey, while McLeod, Dubé, and Foote have continued their careers in other leagues.

The Case Background

The charges stem from an alleged incident in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada gala celebrating the World Junior Hockey Team’s gold medal. The complainant, known in court as E.M., claims that the players assaulted her in a hotel room in downtown London. Authorities investigated the case for years and officially filed the charges about 15 months ago.

The trial began on April 22, with a jury selected to hear the case. However, issues arose shortly after the proceedings began, leading to the mistrial. On April 24, the judge halted the trial, and no evidence was presented on April 25. The legal arguments behind the decision remain protected by a publication ban.

What Happens Next?

With the mistrial declared, the court will select a new jury, and the trial will resume next week. This delay has extended an already lengthy process, and the public and sports community continue to watch the case closely.

A publication ban protects the identity of the complainant, E.M., which is a standard procedure in sexual assault cases to ensure the victim’s privacy and safety.

Moving Forward

As the legal process continues, the case will likely prompt further discussions on justice and accountability. The new trial date offers a chance for the court to revisit the case, but the long journey toward a resolution is far from over.

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/sexual-assault-trial-of-5-former-world-junior-hockey-players-begins-in-london-ontario
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/mistrial-declared-in-sex-assault-case-against-5-ex-world-junior-hockey-players-in-london-ont-1.7518317 
• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-judge-declares-mistrial-in-sexual-assault-case-against-five-former