Tight-Lipped London Police Confirm 5 Hockey Players Charged With Sexual Assault in First Public Remarks

(L-R) Ottawa Senators' Alex Formenton, New Jersey Devils defenceman Cal Foote, New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod, Calgary Flames centre Dillon Dube, and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart. (The Canadian Press/AP-Matt Slocum, Noah K. Murray, Matt Slocum, Paul Sancya, Corey Sipkin)

London Police Chief Thai Truong confirmed Feb. 5 that five former Canadian World Junior hockey players have officially been charged with sexual assault stemming from events in 2018, though no further details on the case were given.

The charges laid out involve five individuals: Michael McLeod, 26, from Mississauga, Ont., faces two counts of sexual assault; Alexander Formenton, 24, of Barrie, Ont.; Carter Hart, 25, of Cherry Hill, N.J.; Cal Foote, 25, of Denver, Colo.; and Dillon Dube, 25, of Calgary each face one count of sexual assault.

In his opening remarks, Chief Truong apologized to the alleged victim for the time it took to bring charges against the accused.

“I want to extend on behalf of the London Police Service my sincerest apology to the victim, to her family for the amount of time that it has taken to reach this point,” he told reporters at a Feb. 5 press conference.

“This should not take this long. It shouldn’t take years and years.”

No formal pleas were recorded in court on the morning of Feb. 5, reported CTV News. Defence attorneys for the athletes have said that their clients intend to refute the charges and will assert their innocence.

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The investigation concerns an incident from June 18, 2018, involving players from the Canadian Junior Hockey team who were in London for a Hockey Canada event. The alleged victim reported a sexual assault by several individuals in a hotel room following an encounter at a downtown bar.

Initially concluded in February 2019 without charges, the case was reopened in July 2022 after a comprehensive review. Concurrently, Hockey Canada and the NHL have initiated investigations into the matter. Det. Sgt. Katherine Dann, who is leading the case and answered questions at the press conference, said she has had no contact with the NHL.

Four of the individuals facing charges are active NHL players: Mr. Dube is with the Calgary Flames, Mr. Hart with the Philadelphia Flyers, and both Mr. McLeod and Mr. Foote are part of the New Jersey Devils roster. Mr. Formenton, formerly with the Ottawa Senators, has since moved to play for a Swiss team. Each of the athletes has been granted an indefinite leave by their respective professional hockey teams.

Chief Truong acknowledged the complexity and length of the investigation, and thanked the alleged victim for her courage and patience. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability while also highlighting the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing legal process.

Mr. Truong and Ms. Dann offered no further details on the case when questioned by reporters, citing its nature as an ongoing investigation which they do not wish to compromise.