In a case that has rocked the world of hockey, several prominent players have been charged with sexual assault linked to events involving Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team. The athletes, through their legal representation, have pleaded not guilty.
The timeline traces the controversial journey from the team’s triumphant gold medal victory to the legal proceedings that have ensued:
- Jan. 5, 2018 — The team wins gold in Buffalo, New York.
- June 18, 2018 — A gala event takes place in London, Ontario, serving as the focal point for the subsequent allegations.
- June 19, 2018 — Allegations of sexual assault by eight players emerge and are reported to Hockey Canada.
- Feb. 2019 to Sept. 2020 — Both the London police and Hockey Canada conduct and eventually close investigations.
- April 2022 — The victim files a lawsuit against Hockey Canada and players, leading to a settlement in May 2022.
- May to June 2022 — The incident garners public attention, causing sponsorships to be paused and federal funding to be frozen pending significant organizational changes.
- July 2022 — Hockey Canada reopens the investigation under public and political scrutiny and makes organizational changes concerning sexual violence and consent training.
- July 2022 – The existence of a controversial “National Equity Fund” used to settle assault claims is confirmed and criticized.
- Oct. 2022 — Leadership changes in Hockey Canada occur.
- Dec. 2022 & Mar. 2023 — Charges are anticipated and the participation of the 2018 team players in international competitions is put on hold.
- Jan. 2024 — Charges are formally laid against the five implicated players.
- Feb. 5, 2024 – An apology is issued by the London police chief for the delay in filing charges.
The case continues to unfold, highlighting issues of accountability and systemic responses to sexual violence in sports.
FAQs About the Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Case
- Who has been charged in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case?
- Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton have been charged with sexual assault relating to an alleged incident in 2018.
- What prompted the resurfacing of these allegations?
- The allegations were brought to light again following a lawsuit filed by the victim in April 2022 and subsequent media reports in May 2022.
- Why were Hockey Canada’s federal funding and sponsorships frozen or paused?
- Funding and sponsorships were paused as a measure of accountability, urging Hockey Canada to disclose investigation findings and adhere to stricter governance and safety protocols.
- What changes has Hockey Canada committed to making?
- Hockey Canada has committed to mandatory sexual violence and consent training, a review of the organization’s governance, and alignment with the Office of the Integrity Commissioner.
- Has Hockey Canada made any statements regarding the charges?
- As of the current information available, Hockey Canada has confirmed that players from the 2018 world junior hockey team will be excluded from international competition until the investigation is complete.
Conclusion
The timeline of the Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations reveals a complex web of events that has concluded with charges against several players. As investigations continue, this case underscores the critical need for transparent processes and robust protections against sexual violence within sports organizations. The incident has instigated a broader conversation on the culture of hockey and the necessary steps towards creating safer environments for athletes and the community at large.