The landscape of Canadian hockey has recently been marred by a significant scandal involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, leading to substantial repercussions both on and off the ice.
NHL Players Uncontracted
In a significant development, four players currently on NHL rosters have not been offered new contracts by their respective teams. This decision follows charges filed earlier this year and ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual assault by members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team. The players involved have taken leaves of absence from their teams as these allegations are being examined.
Carter Hart, the Philadelphia Flyers' goaltender, New Jersey Devils’ Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, and Calgary Flames’ forward Dillon Dube are now without qualifying offers, rendering them free agents. This move leaves their professional futures in limbo as they await the outcomes of the legal processes.
The Roots of the Scandal
The scandal finds its roots in a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the Canadian team after a fundraising gala in London, Ontario, in 2018. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit, which in turn prompted further investigations into the matter.
The alleged incident occurred on June 19, 2018, at the Delta Hotel London Armouries. The woman, who was then 20 years old, claimed that one player, referred to as "John Doe #1," took her to a hotel room and subsequently invited seven other men to perform undisclosed sexual acts. She contended that the men intimidated her and prevented her from leaving, before directing her to take a shower and asking her to state on video that she was sober.
Legal Proceedings
On June 19, 2018, the London Police were alerted by a relative of the victim, initiating an investigation that was ultimately closed in 2019 without charges. However, the filing of the lawsuit in 2022 led to a reopening of the investigation, which resulted in charges being laid against five team members this past February. Detective Sgt. Katherine Dann of the London Police stated, “for all the charges we have reasonable grounds for.”
Among those charged is Alex Formenton, who was formerly an NHL player and is now with the Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta. These legal proceedings have undoubtedly cast a long shadow over their professional careers as the players await the outcomes.
Hockey Canada’s Involvement
Beyond the players themselves, the allegations and investigations revealed that Hockey Canada maintained two secret funds to resolve claims of sexual assault and abuse. This discovery has spurred calls for organizational introspection and reform within the sport’s governing body.
NHL's Reaction
In response, the NHL launched its own investigation into the matter in 2022. This internal scrutiny aims to understand the extent of the allegations and ensure that proper measures are taken moving forward. The four NHL players involved were on paid leave from their teams until the end of this month, and their release into free agency underscores the gravity of the situation.
The repercussions of this scandal have sent shockwaves through the Canadian hockey community, highlighting not just the immediate ramifications for the players and teams involved, but also the pressing need for systemic change within the sport. As the legal processes unfold, the broader hockey community is left to grapple with the implications of these disturbing allegations and what they mean for the future of the game in Canada.