Five ex-players from the 2018 World Junior Hockey tournament are anticipated to turn themselves into London police regarding charges of sexual assault. This has become a noteworthy case entangling Hockey Canada in controversy, as per information from the Globe and Mail. The players' surrender is expected to take place in connection to the alleged incidents, adding a significant development to the ongoing situation. (Source: @HockeyCanada/Twitter)
In a developing and controversial case, five former world junior hockey players from 2018 have been instructed to surrender to authorities in London, Ontario, facing sexual assault charges. The allegations stem from an incident in June 2018 at a London hotel, with court documents indicating that the players are accused of sexually assaulting a young woman.
London Police initially closed the case in 2018 but reopened it in 2022 due to public outcry following a lawsuit. The first investigation has been criticized as "cursory at best," according to reports by CBC's The Fifth Estate. The case has since become a focal point for discussions on sports safety, prompting a response from Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough.
The alleged victim, identified as "E.M." in court documents, filed a lawsuit seeking over $3.5 million against eight unnamed players, Hockey Canada, and the Canadian Hockey League. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit, emphasizing a commitment to address the issue.
E.M.'s statement of claim details that she met the players during the World Juniors champions' visit to London for a hockey event. The claim alleges that she engaged in consensual sexual acts with one player but was later subjected to degrading acts by a group of players, including filming without her consent. The lawsuit also contends that the players attempted to prevent her from reporting the incident to the police.
Court filings from 2022, unsealed by the Globe and Mail, provide additional insights into the police investigation. The documents include interviews with the players involved, detailing their perspectives on the events of that night. However, none of the allegations have been proven in court.
In response to recent developments, Sports Minister Qualtrough stressed the need for accountability, integrity, and safety within the sports system, declaring a "sports safety crisis" in the country.
The case has prompted renewed discussions about sexual assault, institutional cultures, and societal approaches to addressing such crimes. E.M.'s desire for privacy has been consistently respected by her legal representation, Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers.
Apart from the criminal case, two other investigations are ongoing. Hockey Canada commissioned a private law firm to investigate the incident, and an "independent adjudication panel" completed a confidential hearing. However, the results remain undisclosed as they are reportedly under appeal. The NHL is also conducting its own investigation with findings yet to be released.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights broader concerns about safety within sports and raises questions about the effectiveness of institutional responses to such incidents.
