4 NHLers expected to face sexual assault charges after investigation: Report

TSN is reporting four current NHL players have been told to surrender to police in London, Ont., as part of a sexual assault investigation that allegedly involves members of the 2018 Canadian world junior hockey team.

TSN’s Rick Westhead reported Tuesday that New Jersey Devils defenceman Cal Foote, Calgary Flames centre Dillon Dube, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart, and New Jersey centre Michael McLeod are to be charged with sexual assault in connection with the alleged incident.

Former NHLer Alex Formenton, who has been playing for a Swiss team, reported to police in London on Sunday and was charged. His lawyer said Formenton would plead not guilty.

On Tuesday, The Canadian Press reported that lawyers for Dube, Hart and McLeod have confirmed their clients had been charged with sexual assault and said they will plead not guilty.

All five were members of the team that represented Canada at the 2018 world junior hockey championship in Buffalo, N.Y.

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 that Ontario city in June of 2018.

The police service previously said it would address the investigation next Monday. While police didn’t name the players directed to turn themselves in, five players who were on the 2018 team took leaves of absence from their current pro clubs.

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The news of the Hockey Canada settlement prompted a flood of responses critical of the organization from across the hockey community.

In October of 2022, Hockey Saskatchewan said it was working with its partners to hold the national organization accountable for its actions. The Saskatchewan association demanded 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