When will the Hockey Canada sexual assault verdict be delivered? Judge sets crucial July 24 date
After nearly two months of intense testimony, legal arguments, and emotional revelations, the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault trial has officially concluded. Now, the spotlight shifts to July 24, the day Justice Maria Carroccia will deliver her long-awaited verdict that could reshape the lives and reputations of five NHL players and reignite national discussions around consent, power, and accountability in Canadian sports culture.
Judge to deliver verdict in landmark case involving five NHL players on July 24
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote each face charges of sexual assault stemming from a 2018 incident in a London, Ontario hotel room. The allegations, made by a woman referred to as E.M., claim the men engaged in non-consensual group sexual activity during a Hockey Canada event celebrating their World Junior Championship win.
In her closing remarks, Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham emphasized that E.M.'s
compliance during the alleged acts should not be mistaken for consent. 'She's simply agreeing with him when he's making it clear what he wants her to say,' Cunningham said, referencing a video McLeod filmed where he allegedly coached E.M. into saying the sex was consensual.
Cunningham and co-counsel Heather Donkers argued the defendants showed 'recklessness' and 'willful blindness,' particularly given E.M.'s
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intoxication and vulnerability. 'Literally, any one of those men could have stood up and said, this isn't right. And no one did,' E.M. said in court. 'They didn't want to think about if I was actually OK or if I was actually consenting.'
Defense attorneys for each player countered forcefully, attacking the Crown's legal reasoning and casting doubt on E.M.'s credibility. They argue she was the initiator of the group sex and later regretted the encounter, calling the case a result of 'tailored testimony' and a desire for civil compensation.
Also Read:
Who is Alex Formenton? Ex-Ottawa Senators winger at the center of Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Still, it will be Justice Carroccia who makes the final call. After discharging two juries earlier in the proceedings, she now holds sole responsibility for the verdict. Her decision, set to be released in written form on July 24, could have wide-reaching implications—not just for the players, but for the entire hockey establishment.
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