High-Profile Trial of Junior Hockey Players Exposes Dark Underbelly of Canadian Hockey Culture

Strategic Insights -

A gruesome incident unfolded in a London, Ont., hotel room on June 19, 2018, involving members of Canada's 2018 world junior championship team. Five players, including Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Carter Hart, have pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault. The trial has exposed the dark underbelly of Canadian hockey culture, with evidence suggesting a culture of entitlement, disregard for consent, and a normalization of exploitation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on June 19, 2018, at the Delta Armouries hotel in London, Ont., where up to 10 members of the Canadian junior team, including the five defendants, engaged in group sex with a young woman, E.M.
  • E.M. had initially consented to a specific sexual episode, but soon became distressed and upset as the night progressed.
  • The players, including Michael McLeod, allegedly failed to respect E.M.'s consent, engaging in various forms of exploitation, including "teabagging" (grazing genitals over her face) without her consent.
  • The incident was characterized by a lack of boundaries and a disregard for E.M.'s well-being, with players bringing their teammates into the hotel room and engaging in group sex.
  • E.M. reported the incident to her mother, who contacted police, but it was not until nearly six years later that the players were charged with sexual assault.
  • The trial has highlighted the culture of entitlement within Canadian hockey, with players allegedly feeling above the law and believing they were "untouchable."
  • The incident has left a lasting impact on E.M., who has since settled a $3.5 million lawsuit against Hockey Canada.
  • The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability within the hockey system.

Statistics:

  • Five players, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Carter Hart, have been charged with sexual assault.
  • The incident occurred at the Delta Armouries hotel in London, Ont.
  • E.M. had initially consented to a specific sexual episode, but soon became distressed and upset as the night progressed.
  • Up to 10 members of the Canadian junior team were involved in the group sex.
  • E.M. reported the incident to her mother, who contacted police.
  • Nearly six years passed before the players were charged with sexual assault.
  • E.M. has settled a $3.5 million lawsuit against Hockey Canada.

Sources:

  • DiManno, R. (2023, April 25). Junior hockey players charged with sexual assault. The Star.