The long-anticipated sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team has reached its final chapter, with a verdict expected July 24. The case, unfolding in London, Ontario, has gripped the nation, not just for the high-profile nature of the accused—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—but for the disturbing allegations that expose a deeper cultural reckoning within Canadian elite sports.
A case that could shake the culture of Canadian hockey
All five players have pleaded not guilty to the charges, with McLeod facing an additional count of being a party to the offense. The complainant, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban, testified that she was sexually assaulted in a hotel room after what began as consensual sex with McLeod.
Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham didn’t mince words in her closing argument, alleging that McLeod “set up” the young woman by texting teammates to join him in his hotel room for group sex—without her knowledge or consent. Cunningham cited text messages sent by McLeod offering a “three-way quick” and referencing a “gummer”—a slang term for oral sex.
“She did not voluntarily agree to the sexual acts,” Cunningham insisted, portraying the woman as shocked and disoriented when multiple players entered the room. She urged the court to reject the defense’s claims that the complainant had initiated the group activity, calling those arguments unsubstantiated and contradicted by her consistent testimony.
The defense pushes back while public pressure builds
Only Carter Hart testified in his defense, while the others leaned on past police interviews. The defense attempted to paint the complainant as unreliable, suggesting her claims were influenced by a civil suit that had already been settled.
However, the Crown countered with witness testimony from two teammates, Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh, who recalled seeing the woman fully covered and uninviting when they briefly entered the room.
Also Read: Evgeny Kuznetsov snubs NHL tryouts, claims he's too good to be tested as fans call it arrogant
Justice Maria Carroccia now faces the daunting task of delivering a verdict in a case that has ignited national outrage and reignited questions about the accountability mechanisms in place for professional athletes. Regardless of the ruling, the trial has already left an indelible mark on how Canadians view consent, sports culture, and the consequences of silence.
A case that could shake the culture of Canadian hockey
All five players have pleaded not guilty to the charges, with McLeod facing an additional count of being a party to the offense. The complainant, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban, testified that she was sexually assaulted in a hotel room after what began as consensual sex with McLeod.
The Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres has published a statement alleging that E.M., the complainant in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team, has faced "almost every harmful and victim-blaming sexual assault myth in existence"…
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) June 3, 2025
Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham didn’t mince words in her closing argument, alleging that McLeod “set up” the young woman by texting teammates to join him in his hotel room for group sex—without her knowledge or consent. Cunningham cited text messages sent by McLeod offering a “three-way quick” and referencing a “gummer”—a slang term for oral sex.
“She did not voluntarily agree to the sexual acts,” Cunningham insisted, portraying the woman as shocked and disoriented when multiple players entered the room. She urged the court to reject the defense’s claims that the complainant had initiated the group activity, calling those arguments unsubstantiated and contradicted by her consistent testimony.
The defense pushes back while public pressure builds
Consent videos not viable as evidence in court, experts say after Hockey Canada trial https://t.co/X9A6yjFn1R
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) June 16, 2025
Only Carter Hart testified in his defense, while the others leaned on past police interviews. The defense attempted to paint the complainant as unreliable, suggesting her claims were influenced by a civil suit that had already been settled.
However, the Crown countered with witness testimony from two teammates, Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh, who recalled seeing the woman fully covered and uninviting when they briefly entered the room.
Also Read: Evgeny Kuznetsov snubs NHL tryouts, claims he's too good to be tested as fans call it arrogant
Justice Maria Carroccia now faces the daunting task of delivering a verdict in a case that has ignited national outrage and reignited questions about the accountability mechanisms in place for professional athletes. Regardless of the ruling, the trial has already left an indelible mark on how Canadians view consent, sports culture, and the consequences of silence.
You may also like
Mithi River Desilting Scam: BJP, Congress Demand MCOCA; Minister Uday Samant Promises Strict Action
8 Foods That Offer Young-looking Skin When Taken Regularly
Pocket FM Vs Kuku FM, Smartworks IPO Day 1 & More
Decoding Arjun Rampal: The Supermodel Years, Avoiding The Rat Race And The World Of Rana Naidu (Exclusive)
Entertainment Lawyer Priyanka Khimani On Managing The Complexities Of The Entertainment Industry
