Crown concludes sexual assault case against five players from the 2018 Canada World Juniors team
The Crown officially concluded its case on Thursday in the sexual assault trial involving five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior hockey team. Carter Hart, one of the accused, was called to the witness stand in the London, Ontario courtroom.
Alongside Hart, four other former NHL players, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod, face charges related to an alleged group assault. The alleged incident occurred in June 2018, after a Hockey Canada event celebrating the team's gold medal win. The complainant, publicly known only as E.M., alleges that after initially consenting to sex with one player, she was assaulted by others over several hours.
Each of the five players has pleaded not guilty. McLeod faces two counts, while the others face one each. McLeod is the only accused who has chosen not to testify so far.
Carter Hart testifies as trial reaches new phase
Carter Hart called to stand in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Hart's appearance in court came as the Crown wrapped its six-week presentation of evidence. His testimony marked a turning point in the high-profile trial. Though previously inactive in the NHL since the charges surfaced, Hart's participation as a witness places further focus on his role in the events being examined.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
Before being called, Hart had remained largely silent publicly. The Crown had also considered calling former teammate Maxime Comtois, who was present during the night in question but has not been accused of any wrongdoing. However, prosecutors ultimately did not bring him forward.
Mistrials and dismissed juries delay proceedings
Carter Hart #79 of the Philadelphia Flyers (Credit: Getty Image)
The trial has faced repeated delays. Two separate juries were discharged before the current proceedings could gain momentum. The first mistrial occurred in April, prompting the dismissal of a 14-person jury.
A second jury was let go earlier this month due to unspecified complications.
Read more:
Roope Hintz's personal life with his wife Kristina Niemi
With high public interest and reputations on the line, the upcoming stages of the trial will determine the legal fates of the accused. The proceedings also continue to raise larger questions about accountability in sports and the culture surrounding elite-level hockey in Canada.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
'It's gotten worse': Teen girls say Hockey Canada trial proves #MeToo failed to protect their generation
Kitchener high school students express concerns about safety following the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial(Getty Images) In the aftermath of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, a group of high school seniors from Kitchener, Ontario, are voicing what many women across the country are feeling — that despite the global attention from the #MeToo movement, little has changed when it comes to real-world safety, respect, and justice for young women. From the classroom to the workplace, consent remains misunderstood The girls, all 12th-graders, shared their daily experiences with harassment — not in viral headlines, but in grocery stores and bakeries, where older men make predatory remarks and ignore boundaries. Seventeen-year-old Samira Nur explained: 'I encounter a lot of creepy men… I'm at work, and under the expectation that I still have to treat these people with kindness, despite the fact that I'm being, like, fully disrespected.' Her classmate, Anna De Sousa, recounted a chilling annual encounter with an older male customer: 'Last year, he was like, 'You're 17 now. Next year, I'll be back. We're gonna go out.' Every time I see his face, my body literally starts shaking.' These aren't isolated incidents—they're part of a wider issue that the girls say their education barely prepared them for. Consent was glossed over in brief lessons, often through awkward metaphors like 'the tea video.' As Samira put it: 'It wasn't really treated very seriously.' Social media and toxic masculinity fuel the pressure The rise of online platforms has only made things worse. With Snapchat and Instagram, harassment is more anonymous, more constant, and more cruel. 'Honestly, I think it's gotten worse,' said Nishtha Tomer. 'They will not say a word to you in real life, but online, it's the meanest things.' And with influencers like Andrew Tate spreading misogynistic messages, girls like Loyd Gebreselassie are noticing a shift in male attitudes: 'This trend is growing with younger men… All these ideologies they've gathered and almost try to force onto women.' The teens acknowledge #MeToo helped break silence and remove shame. But legal and systemic progress feels distant. 'More so that than actually really solving anything,' said Shantelle Carrion. Also Read: When will the Hockey Canada sexual assault verdict be delivered? Judge sets crucial July 24 date Their message is clear: while the headlines may fade, the fight for safer spaces, better education, and deeper understanding of consent must continue—because for many young women, the danger never went away. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Brock Boeser turned down bigger Maple Leafs offer to stay loyal to Canucks in $50.75M deal
In a surprising twist to the NHL offseason, Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser has reportedly turned down a more lucrative contract offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs to stay in Vancouver. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The decision, revealed by NHL insider Nick Kypreos in the Toronto Star, reinforces Boeser's deep-rooted loyalty to the team he has called home for nine seasons. Toronto's short-term money couldn't match Vancouver's long-term commitment As the Maple Leafs reshaped their roster after trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, they aggressively pursued free agents. One of their targets was Brock Boeser, who had just completed a solid season with 25 goals and 50 points in 75 games. According to Nick Kypreos, 'The word is that the Leafs may have offered a higher annual salary than the $7.25 million (U.S.) that he took to stay with the Vancouver Canucks, but on a much shorter-term deal than the seven years he agreed to.' Boeser instead signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract with the Canucks, averaging $7.25 million annually—underscoring his desire for stability and commitment to a team that has stuck with him through ups and downs. Canucks' top-line trust and legacy role likely influenced his decision Boeser's chemistry with linemates Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk remains a key component of Vancouver's offense. Having reached a career-high 40 goals in the 2023-24 season, Boeser has clearly proven his worth as a top-line sniper, and the Canucks have rewarded that loyalty. NHL insider Daniele Franceschi commented on The FAN Morning Show that Toronto missed out on a golden opportunity: 'They (Leafs) certainly had enough flexibility to make it all happen... I think it would have been an interesting fit, obviously not as complete a player as Mitch Marner, but if you talk about just the star power and certainly the goal-scoring upside.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Franceschi also noted that Boeser's experience handling pressure in the Canadian market could have made him a valuable asset in Toronto—something Marner, he suggested, struggled with. Also Read: As the Leafs continue to search for their next offensive star, Boeser's decision sends a clear message: sometimes, stability, familiarity, and loyalty outweigh short-term financial gains.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers' interest in Carter Hart sends disturbing message to sexual assault survivors
Oilers are reportedly considering signing Carter Hart (Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation has come under sharp scrutiny after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances ended in disappointment. Now, in a bold and controversial twist, the Oilers are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Carter Hart—pending major legal and league developments. Legal cloud over Carter Hart 's future complicates Oilers' interest NHL insider Kevin Weekes has hinted that there is 'mutual interest' between Hart and the Oilers, despite the shadow of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault investigation still looming over the young goalie's future. While Hart hasn't played in the NHL since stepping away in 2024, he remains a high-upside netminder with untapped potential—if cleared to return. Hart is one of five players currently facing accusations in connection with the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case. His future in the NHL will depend entirely on the outcome of the trial and any disciplinary measures the league may impose. For the Oilers, who already faced backlash for hiring Stan Bowman—linked to the Chicago Blackhawks' Kyle Beach scandal—adding Hart would risk igniting another public relations firestorm. As one columnist put it: 'It is nothing short of a PR nightmare if the Oilers consider signing him.' Still, the potential fit is undeniable from a hockey standpoint. Hart, an Edmonton native and longtime friend of current Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, could theoretically help shore up the team's goaltending woes. In his last NHL season, Hart posted a respectable 2.80 GAA and .906 save percentage in 25 starts for the Flyers. Over his career, he's played 227 games with a .906 SV%—solid numbers for a 25-year-old with room to grow. President of hockey operations Stan Bowman has publicly identified goaltending and forward depth as key areas needing improvement. With the team aiming to get 'faster and younger,' Hart checks both boxes—on paper. But given the gravity of the allegations surrounding him, even speculation of his signing is polarizing the fanbase. Also Read: Who is Carter Hart? The Canadian hockey star accused in the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal For now, it's all speculation. But if Hart is cleared legally, and if the Oilers are willing to weather the backlash, this potential move could become the most controversial transaction of the 2025 offseason. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
