In a high-profile case that has stirred controversy within the hockey world, five former players from the 2018 World Junior Hockey team have been directed to surrender to London, Ontario police to face sexual assault charges. This development follows a prolonged investigation into allegations stemming from an incident in June 2018.
The investigation, which was initially closed in 2019 without charges, was reopened in 2022 amid heightened scrutiny. Court filings from October outlined the allegations, indicating that London Police believed they had reasonable grounds to accuse the players of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada fundraising gala.
A Hockey Canada logo is shown on the jersey of a player with Canada’s National Junior Team during a training camp practice in Calgary on Aug. 2, 2022. JEFF MCINTOSH/THE CANADIAN PRESS
Hockey Canada has been under significant pressure over its handling of the case. The organization conducted its own investigation and established an “independent adjudication panel” to determine sanctions, but the results remain confidential due to an ongoing appeal.
Amidst the scandal, several players from the 2018 team have taken indefinite leaves of absence from their current hockey teams. While the identities of the five accused players have not been officially revealed, several players have issued statements or through their agents, clarifying their non-involvement in the incident.
The allegations have had a profound impact on Hockey Canada and its reputation, as well as on the broader sports community. The London Police have scheduled a press conference to provide further details on the investigation.
