Dale Hunter named head coach, brother Mark gets management role with Canada juniors
It will be the second time the Hunters lead Canada's world junior team. Dale served as head coach and Mark was general manager when Canada won gold at the 2020 tournament in Ostrava, Czechia, defeating Russia in the final.
The Hunter brothers, along with former NHL enforcer Basil McRae, own the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights.
Dale is president and head coach, and Mark is vice-president and general manager of the Knights, who have won three Memorial Cup titles and six OHL championships since taking over operations in 2000.
Canada has won 20 gold and 35 total medals at the world junior hockey championship but is looking to rebound from a disappointing fifth-place finish at the 2025 tournament in Ottawa. The United States won gold for the second year in a row.
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The 2026 world juniors are set to be held in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.
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Winnipeg Free Press
a minute ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
A timeline of sexual assault allegations against former Hockey Canada junior players
A timeline of events that led to former Canada world junior hockey team players Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote being charged with sexual assault. Jan. 5, 2018 — Canada's world junior hockey team defeats Sweden in the gold-medal final in Buffalo, N.Y. June 18, 2018 — Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf event begins in London. June 19, 2018 — A woman's stepfather informs Hockey Canada she alleges she was sexually assaulted by eight players, including members of the world junior team, while intoxicated the previous night following the event. Hockey Canada says it spoke with its insurance provider and then informed London police, which opened an investigation. Hockey Canada subsequently opened its own third-party investigation using a Toronto law firm. June 2018 — Hockey Canada says it informed Sport Canada of the alleged incident. February 2019 — Hockey Canada says London police informed the federation its criminal investigation was closed. September 2020 — Hockey Canada says it closed its investigation. April 2022 — The woman files a statement of claim seeking $3.55 million in damages from Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League and the eight unnamed players. May 2022 — Hockey Canada settles the lawsuit with the woman for an undisclosed amount out of court. May 2022 — Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney calls then-Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge, whose file includes Hockey Canada, to tell her TSN will be breaking the story in the coming days. St-Onge says the conversation is the first time she's heard of the alleged incident or settlement. May 26, 2022 — TSN reports the details of the alleged assault and settlement. June 2, 2022 — St-Onge orders a forensic audit of Hockey Canada to ensure no public funds were used as part of the settlement. June 20, 2022 — Renney and then-Hockey Canada president Scott Smith are grilled by MPs during a Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage meeting about the organization's response to the situation. Smith and Renney testify the 19 players present in London were 'strongly encouraged' to speak with third-party investigators, but not mandated to do so. Hockey Canada adds it does not know the identities of the eight players in question. Smith testifies Hockey Canada has reported three sexual assault complaints in recent years, including the London incident, but won't discuss the other two in front of the committee. June 22, 2022 — St-Onge announces a freeze to Hockey Canada's federal funding until the organization discloses recommendations made by the third-party law firm and becomes a signatory to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, a new government agency with the power to investigate abuse complaints and levy sanctions. June 22, 2022 — The House of Commons unanimously approves a Bloc Québécois motion to pursue an independent investigation that will look into how Hockey Canada dealt with the allegations. June 28, 2022 — Scotiabank announces it is pausing sponsorship of Hockey Canada. Retail giant Canadian Tire and telecommunications company Telus follow suit later in the day. Tim Hortons and Imperial Oil, under its Esso brand, join a growing list of companies to pull sponsorship dollars the next day. In October, Nike suspends its partnership and Bauer pauses its role as the official equipment provider. June 30, 2022 — Renney retires as CEO of Hockey Canada after announcing a succession plan in April that tabbed Smith to take over on July 1. July 14, 2022 — Hockey Canada says in an open letter to Canadians it is reopening a third-party investigation into the alleged 2018 assault. The sport's national federation adds participation by the players in question will be mandatory, and that anyone who declines will be banned from all activities and programs. Hockey Canada says it now requires players, coaches, team staff and volunteers associated with its high-performance program to participate in mandatory sexual violence and consent training. It will also conduct a third-party review of the organization's governance, and commits to become a full signatory to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner. Hockey Canada adds it will also create an 'independent and confidential complaint mechanism' to provide victims and survivors tools and support to come forward. July 18, 2022 — The Canadian Press is first to report Hockey Canada has maintained a fund that draws on minor hockey membership fees to pay for uninsured liabilities, including sexual abuse claims. The detail is included in a July 2021 affidavit sworn by Glen McCurdie, who was then Hockey Canada's vice-president of insurance and risk management, as part of a lawsuit launched by an injured player in Ontario. July 19, 2022 — Hockey Canada confirms the existence of the 'National Equity Fund' in a statement, adding it covers a 'broad range of expenses related to safety, wellness and equity initiatives' across the organization. 'The fund is also used to pay for the organization's insurance premiums and to cover any claims not otherwise covered by insurance policies, including those related to physical injury, harassment, and sexual misconduct,' the statement read. Hockey Canada says the fund was 'established in a manner consistent with reserve funds maintained by other large national organizations.' July 19, 2022 — Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasts Hockey Canada's leadership over the 'National Equity Fund' being used to settle sexual abuse claims. 'I think right now it's hard for anyone in Canada to have faith or trust in anyone at Hockey Canada,' Trudeau tells reporters on Bowen Island, B.C. 'What we're learning … is absolutely unacceptable.' July 20, 2022 — Hockey Canada says it will no longer use its 'National Equity Fund' to settle sexual assault claims. July 20, 2022 — Police in London order an internal review of their investigation into the alleged 2018 sexual assault, saying the original investigation, which concluded without charges, was 'lengthy and detailed.' July 22, 2022 — Then-London police chief Steve Williams announces his force is reopening its investigation into the alleged 2018 sexual assault. July 22, 2022 — Hockey Canada says members of its 2003 men's world junior hockey championship team are being investigated for a group sexual assault. Hockey Canada says it has contacted Halifax Regional Police about the allegations because Halifax was the co-host city of the 2003 world junior hockey championship. July 25, 2022 — Players on Canada's Olympic and world championship women's hockey teams issue a joint statement demanding a thorough investigation into the 2018 and 2003 allegations. The statement says Hockey Canada has a lot to do to address 'toxic behaviour' in the sport. The statement comes after Hockey Canada announces an 'action plan' that includes, among other measures, the implementation by the end of September of a centralized tracking and reporting system for abuse complaints. July 26, 2022 — Another round of parliamentary hearings investigating Hockey Canada's response to the 2018 allegation begins in Ottawa. Michel Ruest, a senior director at Sport Canada, says the federal organization was made aware of an alleged sexual assault involving members of Team Canada's world junior hockey team in late June 2018, but did not follow up with Hockey Canada at the time. Former NHL player and victims rights advocate Sheldon Kennedy calls for the resignation of Smith, his leadership team and the organization's board of directors. July 27, 2022 — Hockey Canada chief financial officer Brian Cairo says the organization used its National Equity Fund to pay out $7.6 million in nine settlements related to sexual assault and sexual abuse claims since 1989, with $6.8 million of that related to serial abuser Graham James. The figure does not include the undisclosed amount of the settlement related to the 2018 allegations. Smith is questioned by MPs a second time, and resists calls for his resignation from a bipartisan selection of politicians. Aug. 2, 2022 — The lawyer for the complainant in the 2018 lawsuit says his client passed a polygraph test, which was provided to the London Police, the Hockey Canada review and NHL investigators. Aug. 4, 2022 — Former Supreme Court of Canada judge Thomas Cromwell is named the head of a review into Hockey Canada's governance. Aug. 6, 2022 — Hockey Canada board chair Michael Brind'Amour resigns before his term expires in November. He says he's leaving to accelerate change and a new era for the organization. Brind'Amour was elected board chair in 2018. Aug. 9, 2022 — Toronto lawyer Andrea Skinner is appointed interim chair of Hockey Canada's board of directors. Oct. 4, 2022 – Hockey Canada's former and current board chairs defended the sporting body's leadership in a hearing before the Canadian Heritage standing committee. Former chair Michael Brind'Amour said he believes president and CEO Scott Smith has the qualities to 'do something positive for the organization.' Interim chair Andrea Skinner told the committee that hockey should not be made a 'scapegoat' or 'centrepiece' for toxic culture that exists elsewhere. Oct. 5, 2022 – Hockey Quebec says it has lost confidence in Hockey Canada and will not transfer funds to the national organization. Hockey Quebec has also decided to keep the portion of registration fees normally handed over to the national organization, which amounts to $3 per sign-up. Multiple member hockey associations follow suit in the following days. Oct. 6, 2022 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government could step in and allow a new national body to replace scandal-plagued Hockey Canada. Oct. 8, 2022 – Andrea Skinner submits her resignation as the interim chair of Hockey Canada's board of directors. Oct. 11, 2022 – Scott Smith is out as Hockey Canada's president and CEO, the organization announced following interim recommendations from Thomas Cromwell's governance review. The board of directors also resigns. Nov. 4, 2022 – The full 221-page report of Thomas Cromwell's review is published. The report says Hockey Canada is at a 'crossroads' and calls for more oversight and accountability at the organization. Recommendations include a restructuring of the board of directors and improved organizational practices, including the taking of minutes at all Hockey Canada meetings. Dec. 17, 2022 – Hockey Canada members elect a new board of directors. Dec. 19, 2022 – Police in London, Ont., say they have grounds to believe a woman was sexually assaulted by five players on Canada's 2018 junior men's hockey team. Mar. 27, 2023 – Hockey Canada says players from the 2018 world junior hockey team will not be considered for international competition until an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving members of the team is complete. April 16, 2023 – The federal government restores Hockey Canada's funding. July 4, 2023 – Hockey Canada appoints former Curling Canada chief executive Katherine Henderson as its next president and CEO. July 17, 2023 – Sports apparel giant Nike permanently ends its sponsor partnership with Hockey Canada that dates back to 1999. The decision comes almost two weeks after equipment brand Bauer reinstated its partnership with Hockey Canada. Nov. 18, 2023 – Hockey Canada board of directors appoints Jonathan Goldbloom as new chair, taking over from Hugh L. Fraser. Gillian Apps, Amanda Fowler, Corey Hirsch, Kristi Miller, Krista Outhwaite and Geoffrey Wong are elected as new board members. Grant Borbridge, Goldbloom and Marian Jacko are re-elected after serving on Hockey Canada's transition board of directors. Jan. 21, 2024 – Calgary Flames say forward Dillon Dube has been granted an indefinite leave to attend to his mental health and is under the care of professionals. Jan. 23, 2024 – Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart takes an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. Jan. 24, 2024 – The Globe and Mail reports that five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team have been told to surrender to police in London, Ont., to face charges of sexual assault. Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta grants former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton a leave of absence for personal reasons. The New Jersey Devils say forward Michael McLeod and defenceman Foote are granted leave but do not give a reason. Jan. 26, 2024 – Hart surrenders to London Police, according to court documents. Jan. 28, 2024 – Formenton and Foote surrender to London Police, according to court documents. Video footage shows Formenton entering a London police station with his legal representation. Lead counsel Daniel Brown confirms Formenton is one of several people facing charges and says in an email, 'Alex will vigorously defend his innocence and asks that people not rush to judgment without hearing all of the evidence.' Jan. 29, 2024 – Dube surrenders to London Police, according to court documents. Jan. 30, 2024 – McLeod surrenders to London Police, according to court documents. Lawyers for McLeod, Dube, Foote and Hart confirm their clients have been charged with sexual assault. All four players say through their lawyers that they intend to plead not guilty. Jan. 31, 2024 – Charges are formally sworn in court. All five players are charged with one count of sexual assault. McLeod is charged with an additional count of being a party to the offence of sexual assault. Feb. 5, 2024 – The sexual assault case against the five players makes its first appearance in a London, Ont. court. At a press conference, London police chief Thai Truong offers an apology for how long it had taken for charges to be laid in the case. Nov. 28, 2024 –Ontario Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas, who oversaw the pre-trial hearings in the case, rules that statements the accused players gave to Hockey Canada in 2018 can't be used in their criminal trial because they were obtained by investigator Danielle Robitaille under threat of penalties that could affect their hockey careers. April 22, 2025 – The trial for all five accused players begins in London, Ont., with Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia presiding. April 25, 2025 – Carroccia declares a mistrial just days into the proceedings. The reason is not publicly disclosed at the time, but the mistrial stemmed from a brief interaction one of the defence lawyers had with a juror during a lunch break. Carroccia found that a mistrial was necessary because it was enough that the jury had heard allegations that someone related to the trial spoke to a juror in violation of the court's instructions. A new jury is selected. April 28, 2025 – The trial begins again, with the new jury panel. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. May 2, 2025 – The complainant in the case, who cannot be identified under a publication ban, takes the stand for the first time in the trial. Her testimony ends up spanning nine days, including seven of cross-examination. May 16, 2025 – The trial faces another major upheaval, abruptly converting from a jury to a judge alone in order to avoid a second mistrial. Carroccia rules to discharge the jury after one juror sent a note to the judge indicating some members of the panel felt two of the defence lawyers were laughing at them as they came into court each day. The move to a judge-alone trial was initially opposed by prosecutors, who argued that switching gears weeks into their evidence could harm their case. But that changed when the judge made it clear the trial would otherwise go back to square one. June 13, 2025 – Legal arguments in the trial conclude, after prosecutors argued the complainant did not voluntarily consent to the sexual acts that took place in the room, and the players did not take reasonable steps to confirm she consented. Defence lawyers, meanwhile, argued the woman actively participated in and initiated the sexual activity, then made up allegations because she didn't want to take responsibility for her choices that night. July 24, 2025 – The judge finds all five players not guilty of sexual assault, and McLeod not guilty of the additional charge of being a party to an offence. She says the complainant's testimony was not credible or reliable and the Crown has not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
a minute ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calls for hockey culture change continue after decision in sexual assault trial
The spotlight on Canadian hockey culture dimming with the acquittal of five players of sexual assault charges is potentially part of the fallout from Thursday's verdict. Hockey Canada vowed in 2022 to tackle 'the toxic behaviour that exists in many corners of the game.' At that time, the organization was under fire for its handling of sexual assault allegations against members of the 2018 Canadian junior men's hockey team, and for using a portion of registration fees to settle lawsuits. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote were acquitted of all charges Thursday in courtroom in London, Ont. Four of the five were NHL players when they were arrested in 2024. The case had sent shock waves across Canadian hockey and reached the House of Commons, where members of Parliament grilled Hockey Canada executives on what they knew and did. Does all the talk of changing hockey culture get walked back with the judge's decision Thursday? 'The concern is that the community will see this decision, and they'll say hockey culture doesn't need to change, because these guys did nothing wrong,' said Greg Gilhooly, a lawyer and survivor of sexual abuse by hockey coach Graham James. 'The legal system doesn't address something more fundamental, and that's what should the guys have done in that room. If there's one thing that is undeniable, it's that in that room that night, there was an absence of leadership. There was an absence of character. Nobody said at any time, 'I don't care what she's saying, this is wrong. We need to be better than this. Stop.' 'Does a failure of character mean that someone should go to jail? It does not. The hope that I have is that coming out of this, hockey, and society at large, will realize that you need to think about your actions and avoid putting yourselves in situations like this and act with character, not act as the situation allows you to act. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.' When TSN reported the allegations and a civil settlement stemming from them in 2022, Hockey Canada's feet were held to the fire not only because players were at its gala on the night in question to celebrate the team's win in the 2018 world junior championship. The revelations lifted the lid on other hockey issues such as racism, hazing, discrimination and homophobia. Sponsors left Hockey Canada in the aftermath, but some have since returned. Scott Smith resigned as president and chief executive officer and was eventually replaced in 2023 by Katherine Henderson. Hockey Canada published a slate of reforms in 2022, including mandatory training for athletes and staff on sexual violence and consent. The organization held a 2023 summit in Calgary to address toxic masculinity in hockey, and another in Ottawa in 2024 analyzing unhealthy outcomes in hockey. 'The problem absolutely will be that coming out of this decision, there will be a reaction saying that 'Hockey Canada had it right all along, the board shouldn't have stepped down, these guys did nothing wrong,'' Gilhooly said. 'That's not what this decision says. This decision says those boys are not guilty of the crimes they've been charged. That's it. All of the good change that is taking place within the sporting community and society at large is good and it is needed and it needs to be emphasized and the change needs to continue. 'Absolutely, there will be a real fear now that that change won't be pressed forward as much as it should be.' Hockey Canada said Henderson wasn't available for an interview Thursday, and offered a list of changes and reforms enacted from its action plan. 'While important progress has been made since 2022, there is still more work to be done and we will continue to be transparent and accountable to Canadians as we drive systemic change within our National Winter Sport,' it said in a statement. The author of 'Crossing The Line; Violence and Sexual Assault in Canada's National Sport' was at the courthouse in London. Laura Robinson's 1998 book examined sexual assault and hazing in junior hockey culture. 'I don't think much has changed,' she said. Robinson points out that while men are involved in decision making around women's national teams, the coaches and managers Hockey Canada assigns to the men's under-20 teams are exclusively male and from junior men's leagues. 'If Hockey Canada really wanted to really change things, you need to have a change in leadership everywhere,' Robinson said. 'Is there no woman in Canada who could coach or be on the coaching staff at Hockey Canada for the world juniors or at the Olympics? 'I'm sure they're going to have women with the women's team, but it's the guys that need to change. We don't have this happening with female athletes.' A 2022 open letter to Canada's sports minister and a parliamentary committee signed by 28 sport academics from 21 universities stated 'sexual violence and misogyny are deeply rooted problems in men's ice hockey.' Thursday's decision didn't alter Toronto Metropolitan University associate professor Laurel Walzak's belief that culture change is needed in hockey. 'I'm still really concerned as I was in 2022, probably the same concern,' she said. 'I signed the letter as a very concerned person related to hockey in Canada. 'I go back to this letter and I feel like another letter needs to be written. We can copy and paste it, actually. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'We need to continue to keep a really close eye on Hockey Canada from a national level, provincial level, local level, all the levels and questioning what's happening. We cannot forget the amount of money that Hockey Canada had in its power to be able to hide and keep things secret.' An advocacy group for abuse survivors in sport stated Thursday's legal decision 'risks reinforcing the very culture of silence and impunity that survivors of sexual violence in sport have long fought to dismantle.' 'We are concerned this verdict will have a chilling effect,' said Athletes Empowered managing director and former gymnast Amelia Cline in a statement. 'Survivors watching this case unfold may now feel even more reluctant to speak up, fearing that their pain will be minimized, their experiences invalidated, and justice nearly impossible to achieve.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.
CTV News
31 minutes ago
- CTV News
Gasps and tears in courtroom as former junior hockey players found not guilty
Hugs, tears and sighs of relief filled a London, Ont. courtroom as five former members of Canada's junior hockey team on trial for sexual assault were found not guilty. Family members of the defendants filled the first row of seating in courtroom 21, while Justice Maria Carroccia read her opening remarks. She said the complainant in the case, known as E.M., did not present credible testimony and that prosecutors could not meet the onus of proof for the charges against Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote. When those remarks were made, family members of the defendants audibly gasped and tears began flowing. As the verdicts were being read, McLeod and Hart's mothers could be seen in the front row of the courtroom holding hands. All five players pleaded not guilty to sexual assault after an encounter that took place in a London, Ont., hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018. Years of speculation regarding the allegations — fueled by a lawsuit settlement, parliamentary hearings and revived investigations by the police and Hockey Canada, along with an NHL investigation — all preceded a complex trial earlier this year that included a mistrial and the dismissal of the jury, leaving the verdict to Carroccia. Over the course of about five hours, Carroccia explained her reasoning for the acquittals in detail, highlighting the complainant's 'tendency to blame others' for inconsistencies in her allegations. 'For instance, she said that Det. Newtown spoke over her and cut her off when he took a statement, so that impacted on her answers. She also blamed her civil lawyers for inconsistencies and failing to catch the quote errors in her July 2022 statement — evidence that specifically contradicts the evidence of the complainant. Some of the complainant's testimony in chief was proven to be wrong once compared to legal evidence,' said Carroccia. She also said the woman went to 'great lengths' to point out that she was really drunk through the course of the night, but that is not supported by surveillance video from a bar and hotel that night and the testimony of others. 'In my view, the complainant [EM] exaggerated her intoxication. When confronted with inconsistencies or when she was unable to explain why she acted in a certain way, and defaulted to say It was because she was drunk,' Carroccia added. Michael McLeod faced an additional charge of 'party to the offense,' which was dismissed. The players, who are now between the ages of 25 and 27, were in London at the time of the events in question for a gala and golf tournament marking their 2018 World Junior Championship victory. E.M. testified in May that she was naked, drunk and scared when four of the men showed up unexpectedly in her room at the Delta Hotel London Armouries and felt the only 'safe' option was to do what they wanted. Prosecutors argued the players did what they wanted without taking steps to ensure she was voluntarily consenting to sexual acts. 'I made the choice to dance with them and drink at the bar, I did not make the choice to have them do what they did back at the hotel,' she testified. Defense attorneys cross-examined her for days and suggested she actively participated in or initiated sexual activity because she wanted a 'wild night.' Two short videos of the complainant taken by McLeod the night of the encounter were played in court. In one, the woman says it was 'all consensual,' though she told the court that wasn't how she truly felt. As it relates to the videos, Carroccia said 'While speaking on the video, E.M. does not display any signs of intoxication. She has no difficulty speaking. … She is not slurring her words and speaks clearly and coherently.' Protesters gathered outside a packed London courthouse on Thursday morning, holding signs that signaled support for the complainant. The public didn't learn of the allegations for years. Police closed their initial investigation without charges in early 2019, but the complainant sued Hockey Canada in 2022. The organization settled the lawsuit amid intense scrutiny that cost it sponsors, but police reopened their investigation. The players' identities were made public when they were charged in early 2024. At the time, four of them played in the NHL — Dube for the Calgary Flames, Hart for the Philadelphia Flyers, and McLeod and Foote for the New Jersey Devils. Formenton had previously played for the Ottawa Senators before joining a Swiss team. All went on indefinite leave, and none is on an NHL roster or has an active contract with a team in the league. The NHL launched its own investigation in 2022. Officials pledged to release the findings, though Commissioner Gary Bettman said in February that would depend on what the league can say given legal proceedings. The London Police Service acknowledges the verdict delivered today by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia in the sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada's 2018 National Junior Hockey Team. As a police service, our role in the justice system is… — LPS Chief Thai Truong (@LPSChiefTruong) July 24, 2025 — With files from The Canadian Press
