What's happened
A judge in Ontario has ordered a new trial for NHL players Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, all of whom pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident. The trial was paused after the first witness's testimony, leading to the jurors being discharged.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- The new trial reflects ongoing legal complexities surrounding consent and sexual assault allegations.
- The prosecution's case hinges on the complainant's state during the incident, emphasizing the importance of affirmative consent.
- The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for the players' careers and the NHL's handling of sexual misconduct cases.
Implications:
- If found guilty, the players could face severe repercussions, including potential bans from the NHL.
- This case highlights the broader issues of accountability in sports, particularly regarding sexual misconduct.
- The trial's proceedings will likely draw public attention, influencing perceptions of player conduct and league policies.
What the papers say
According to the Associated Press, the judge's ruling means a new trial will be held for the players, who have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Independent notes that the trial was paused after the prosecution's first witness took the stand, indicating potential legal complexities. The AP further elaborates on the prosecution's strategy, focusing on the complainant's intoxication and the alleged lack of affirmative consent, which is central to the case. This multifaceted coverage underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the potential ramifications for the players involved.
How we got here
The players were charged with sexual assault related to an incident in June 2018 during a Hockey Canada gala in Ontario. The trial began on April 23, 2025, but was interrupted due to legal arguments, resulting in the need for a new trial.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for the players if found guilty?
- How does this case reflect on the NHL's policies?
- What are the next steps in the trial process?
More on these topics
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Carter Hart is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League.
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Alex Formenton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Ottawa Senators and HC Ambrì-Piotta. He was selected by the Senators in the second round of the 2017 NHL entry draft.
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Michael or Mike McLeod may refer to:
Michael McLeod (ice hockey) (born 1998), Canadian ice hockey player
Michael McLeod (politician) (born 1959), Canadian politician
Mike McLeod (athlete) (born 1952), British runner
Mike McLeod (gridiron football) (born.
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Callan Hayden Foote (born December 13, 1998) is an American-born Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš of the Slovak Extraliga. He previously played
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Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c
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Ontario is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada. Located in Central Canada, it is Canada's most populous province, with 38.3 percent of the country's population, and is the second-largest province in total area.
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Michael McLeod is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League. McLeod was selected by the Devils with the 12th pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.