Judge rules against sexual assault claims by 2018 Canada world junior hockey players

In July 2018, five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team were implicated in a sexual assault case that occurred in a hotel room in London, Ontario. The incident reportedly involved a female victim who was intoxicated and alleged that she was assaulted by several players after a gala event celebrating their championship victory. Following the lawsuit settlement with Hockey Canada, an investigation was reopened leading to police charges against the players in early 2024. The trial commenced with the complainant providing testimony regarding the harrowing experience and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. On July 24, 2025, the presiding judge, Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, delivered her ruling, stating that the Crown did not meet its burden of proof. She concluded that the testimony provided by the complainant lacked credibility and was not persuasive enough to substantiate the charges. This decision was critical not only for the players involved—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Callan Foote, Dillon Dube, and Alex Formenton—but also for the broader implications regarding future claims of sexual misconduct, particularly in the realm of sports. The players had pleaded not guilty to the charges, with McLeod also facing an additional accusation related to being a party to the offense of sexual assault. The case garnered significant public attention, not just because of the players' status in the hockey community, but also due to the complexities and sensitivities surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct. The acquittal raised questions about the justice system's efficacy in handling such cases and prompted discussions on the importance of ensuring victims feel safe and supported when coming forward. As the verdict was delivered, protests occurred outside the courthouse, expressing solidarity with the complainant and highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by survivors of sexual assault. While the ruling cleared the accused players, it opened up dialogue on the cultural issues surrounding sexual violence in sports and how organizations like Hockey Canada might handle similar allegations in the future. The overarching concern remains the balance between fair legal proceedings and the urgent need to advocate for and protect victims of sexual misconduct.