Five players from 2018 world junior team told to surrender to police: Report

The London Police Service says it will address on Feb. 5 a sexual assault investigation that reportedly involves members of the 2018 Canadian world junior hockey team.

We understand that there is significant public interest in relation to a sexual assault investigation dating back to 2018. We anticipate that the LPS will hold a press conference on Monday, February 5, 2024, to share further details. https://t.co/MiPrgRNg8m #ldnont pic.twitter.com/1fxbF0iGfz

— London Police Service ON (@lpsmediaoffice) January 24, 2024

According to the Globe and Mail, five players from the team that competed in the 2018 world junior championship in Buffalo, N.Y., have been asked to surrender to London’s police service to face sexual assault charges. London police didn’t confirm the report.

At the same time, five players who were on that squad reportedly have taken leaves of absence from their current pro clubs.

So far, no one has been charged in the investigation.

READ MORE:

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• Saskatoon MP praises organizations for standing up to Hockey Canada
• Hockey Sask. could withhold fees if Hockey Canada doesn’t make ‘meaningful changes’

London police launched an investigation in 2022 after word got out that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by several members of the team at a gala held in the Ontario city in June of 2018.

The news of that settlement prompted a flood of responses critical of Hockey Canada from all corners of the hockey community.

In October of 2022, Hockey Saskatchewan said it was working with its partners to hold the national organization accountable. The Saskatchewan association demanded action and answers in order to ensure “meaningful changes to our game.”

Those changes were said to include bringing in new educational resources to help prevent sexual misconduct and other forms of maltreatment.

“A lack of action by Hockey Canada may lead to Hockey Saskatchewan taking additional steps which may include withholding participant fees,” the statement read.

After Hockey Canada’s CEO and its board of directors stepped down in the wake of the controversy, Hockey Saskatchewan decided against pausing its contribution to Hockey Canada.

— With files from The Canadian Press