Latest news with #CalFoote
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Cal Foote? NHL defenseman and former Stanley Cup champion accused in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Cal Foote, once a rising star in the and a Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is now facing serious legal trouble as one of the players charged in the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault case. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Foote, the son of former NHL defenceman Adam Foote, was among five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior team indicted for their alleged involvement in a group sexual assault that took place in London, Ontario. The rise of Cal Foote from first-round draft pick to Stanley Cup glory Drafted 14th overall in 2017 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Cal Foote was once viewed as a cornerstone defenseman. He played junior hockey with the Kelowna Rockets and quickly established himself with his size, skill, and NHL pedigree. He signed his entry-level contract with Tampa in 2018 and made his NHL debut during the 2020–21 season. That same season, he became part of the Lightning's championship-winning roster, cementing his status as a young player to watch. Foote later played for the Nashville Predators and had a brief stint with the New Jersey Devils, where he was reunited with his younger brother Nolan. After struggling to secure a permanent NHL role, Foote signed with Slovakian team MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš in 2024. Charges related to the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal On January 30, 2024, Cal Foote was charged with one count of sexual assault in relation to an incident following a Hockey Canada gala in 2018. The London Police Service confirmed the charge days later. The allegations claim that several members of the Canadian national junior team were involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter with a woman in a hotel room. Foote's lawyer has stated that he "is innocent" and intends to fight the charge. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The trial began in April 2025 and has become one of the most talked-about cases in Canadian sports, drawing national attention to systemic issues in hockey culture. Alongside Foote, other prominent former NHL players were also charged. Also Read: While the legal proceedings continue, Foote's future in professional hockey remains uncertain, as he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Devils and now plays overseas.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Crown in World Junior sexual assault trial argues E.M. did not ‘voluntarily agree to charged sexual acts'
A composite image of five photographs show former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., Tuesday, April 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault Lisa Carnelos, lawyer for former world junior hockey player Dillon Dubé, continued her final submissions in a London., Ont., courtroom on Wednesday morning. Carnelos told the court that to this day, none of the players have spoken to Dubé and there is no collusion to make up a story, previously suggested by the Crown. 'This is the most lame attempt at collusion I've seen in my life,' she said. Carnelos argued that based on 'credibility issues' with the complainant, known as E.M., the Crown's case 'must fail.' 'They failed to prove sexual assault allegations made by her,' she said. Dubé along with four other former world junior players – Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod and Alex Formenton – have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an encounter at a hotel room in London in 2018. Final submissions from defence Foote's lawyer, Julianna Greenspan, focused on her client and the 'reliability' and 'credibility' of E.M. Greenspan argued the Crown failed to prove the alleged interaction with Foote occurred 'in a sexual contact.' E.M. previously testified Foote did the splits on her and 'grazed' his genitals on her face in room 209 at the Delta Hotel. Greenspan suggested the Crown's case was 'lacking foundation, contrary to the burden of truth and overreaching for a conviction.' She argued Foote was 'fully clothed' and it was a 'non-threatening' interaction, as shown by Hart's testimony. Hart previously testified that there was no physical contact between E.M. and Foote, and he had his shorts and T-shirt on. Greenspan suggested: 'It was a fun exchange, and you could see her smiling and laughing?' Hart agreed. 'Hart testified it was a cool thing that Foote could do the splits, and that he saw him do it on the dance floor the night before,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued E.M. did not say the person who did the splits on her had no pants on in her 2018 statement with retired police officer Steven Newton. 'The reason she failed to do so is because it did not happen,' said Greenspan. E.M.'s version of the events on the night in question are 'manifestly unreliable' and manifestly 'not credible,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued it was clear in E.M.'s testimony that she 'indeed had an agenda.' The court previously heard E.M. initially refer to the men as 'boys' in her 2018 interview with Newton, but in her testimony call them 'men.' 'The complainant's evidence speaks for herself and reaffirms there was a calculated reason behind her language,' said Greenspan. Greenspan argued this 'subtle change' points to a witness who is 'not worthy of belief.' Final submissions from the Crown Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham began her final submissions on Wednesday afternoon, starting by saying E.M., didn't 'voluntarily agree to the charged sexual acts' that took place in the early morning hours of June 18, 2019. The Crown argued Justice Maria Carroccia 'must reject' the theory put forward by defence. Cunningham suggested 'E.M. did not ask for group sex.' She argued McLeod failed to 'affirmatively mention' the '3-way' text he sent to the group chat at 2:09 a.m., during his interview with Newton. 'He had every interest in saying things that made him look less culpable and making it clear E.M. was the instigator,' said Cunningham. Cunningham went on to highlight the text message exchange between E.M. and McLeod on June 20, 2019, where E.M. says she was okay going home with McLeod but not expecting 'everyone else afterwards.' The Crown suggested there is no evidence that E.M. asked for the men to come to the room or told McLeod to invite them. Cunningham argued E.M.'s testimony was clear and consistent in regarding the claim that she was 'surprised' when the other men came into the room. She suggested evidence provided by former World Junior players Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk about how E.M. was behaving supports the claim that she 'did not ask for group sex.' Cunningham reminded the court that both Raddysh and Katchouk testified E.M. did not 'offer' or 'ask' for any sexual contact from them. 'If she had asked McLeod to invite his friends to the room for sexual activity, you would expect her to say something to the first two teammates that entered the room,' said Cunningham. The Crown argued someone was 'offering sexual acts' to McLeod's teammates, but it 'wasn't E.M.' Cunningham suggested McLeod was 'trying to recruit more people' to participate in sexual acts with E.M. Cunningham reminded the court that McLeod texted Raddysh, telling him to come to his room if he wanted 'a gummer,' recruited Katchouk from the hallway, called Hart and knocked on Raddysh's door. 'These are the actions of a man who is personally invested in bringing men into the room to engage sexually with E.M.,' said Cunningham. Cunningham will continue her final submissions on Thursday morning. If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911. A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found on the website for Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada. Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here. National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419 24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366 Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648 Read about your rights as a victim here.
CBC
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Defence teams continue closing arguments at sex assault trial of ex-Hockey Canada world junior players
The Latest The sexual assault trial that began in late April for five former Hockey Canada world junior players continues today in Ontario Superior Court in London. Three of the five defence teams have wrapped their closing arguments. Lawyers for Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote are expected to finish their submissions today. So far, the closings have largely focused on undermining the credibility of the complainant, E.M., as a witness. The Crown, during its own closing arguments, will then have a chance to respond to what the defence lawyers said. Yesterday, we learned Justice Maria Carroccia will hand down her decisions on July 24. All five men — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dubé and Foote — have pleaded not guilty to alleged sexual assaults at a hotel in June 2018. WARNING: Court proceedings include graphic details of alleged sexual assault and might affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who's been affected.
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Defence takes aim at complainant's credibility in Hockey Canada sex assault trial
Published Jun 10, 2025 • 5 minute read A composite image of five photographs show former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Photo by Nicole Osborne / THE CANADIAN PRESS LONDON, Ont. — A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by five hockey players in a London, Ont., hotel room was neither too drunk to consent nor an 'automaton' incapable of making decisions, a defence lawyer argued Tuesday in closing submissions that took aim at the woman's credibility. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The woman described several different states of mind to explain her behaviour over the course of that night in June 2018 and show that she wasn't consenting to the sexual activity at the hotel, but it would require 'mental gymnastics' to reconcile those with the video evidence and testimony of other witnesses, argued Daniel Brown, who represents Alex Formenton. Surveillance video from the bar where she first encountered several of the players contradicts her account that she was plied with alcohol and separated from her friends, and that she was extremely intoxicated, he argued. Meanwhile, none of the other players inside the room who were called to testify corroborated her testimony that there was an 'oppressive atmosphere,' he added. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The complainant's testimony that her mind disconnected from her body and she felt as if she was watching things unfold is incompatible with the fact that she made choices while inside the room, such as refusing to lie down on the floor until a sheet was laid out, he said. The states of mind she described were 'not truthful,' but rather 'designed to mask consent,' argued Brown, who repeatedly said the woman lied or embellished in recounting the events of that night, including while under oath. 'Consent to sexual activity with a near stranger is still consent. Consent provided while impaired but not incapacitated is still consent. Consent provided to group activity or group sexual activity is still consent, and consent provided by one woman to more than one man at a time is still consent,' Brown argued. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, while McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault. Read More Prosecutors allege that McLeod, Hart and Dube obtained oral sex from the woman without her consent, and that Dube slapped her buttocks while she was engaged in a sexual act with someone else. Foote is accused of doing the splits over the woman's face and 'grazing' his genitals on it without her consent. Formenton is alleged to have had vaginal sex with the complainant inside the bathroom without her consent. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The five accused were part of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team, and were in London with many of their teammates for a series of events celebrating their championship win, including an open-bar gala hosted by Hockey Canada, court has heard. After the gala, most of the team continued the celebration at a downtown bar, where the complainant was drinking and dancing with co-workers, court has heard. The woman, who was 20 at the time, eventually left with McLeod to go to his hotel room, where they had sex, court has heard. That encounter is not part of the trial, which instead focuses on what happened after several other players came into the room. Court has seen a text message McLeod sent to a team group chat shortly after 2 a.m., asking if anyone wanted a 'three-way.' Only Hart replied, saying he was 'in.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The woman testified she was drunk, naked and scared when men she didn't know came into the room, and felt her mind 'shut down.' She engaged in sexual acts while on 'autopilot,' she said, and felt she had no choice but to go along with what the men wanted. Two of the players' teammates in the room, Tyler Steenbergen and Brett Howden, testified that the woman at some point asked the group whether anyone would have sex with her, as did Hart, who was the only one of the accused to take the stand in his own defence. The complainant, meanwhile, said she didn't remember saying such things, but that if she did, it was a sign that she was out of her mind due to intoxication. Brown said the evidence 'overwhelmingly' shows the complainant consented to sex with his client. The woman asked for someone to have sex with her, and Formenton took her up on her offer, though he didn't want to do it in front of the others, his lawyer said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'They both agreed. It's not complicated,' he said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO The woman, who cannot be identified under a publication ban, testified she remembered someone coming with her into the bathroom and feeling 'resigned' to the fact that sex was going to happen. The complainant not only got many things wrong in her testimony, but also lied on the stand, Brown further argued in his submissions. She told the court she weighed 120 pounds at the time but agreed under cross-examination that it was close to 140 pounds, which she knew after having reviewed her medical records, he said. She then explained that she gave the lower number because it was what she had said in a previous statement, he said. Brown argued it raised concerns the woman didn't respect her oath, and that it was more important to her to be consistent with her previous statements than to tell the truth. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A lawyer representing Dube said Tuesday the oral sex her client received was consensual. Dube told police in a 2018 interview that he received oral sex for about 10 seconds before realizing it was a 'bad idea' and stumbling back. That interview is credible and establishes there was some communication between Dube and the complainant about the activity, his lawyer Lisa Carnelos argued. Dube did not mention touching the complainant's buttocks in the interview, Carnelos acknowledged, saying he may have simply forgotten to do so. She noted the detective conducting the interview didn't ask about it. The complainant has not identified who she alleges slapped her and only one teammate, Steenbergen, recalled seeing Dube slap the woman's buttocks, describing it as neither hard nor soft, Carnelos said. Steenbergen agreed under cross-examination it was playful and not abusive, she said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'You are left with nothing but a very minor playful act consistent with foreplay' between two people who were already engaged sexually, she said. Defence lawyers have zeroed in on the complainant's credibility and reliability as they make their final pitches to Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. On Monday, one of McLeod's lawyers argued the complainant made up a false narrative because she didn't want to take responsibility for her decisions that night, and that her lie snowballed into a police investigation. When that police investigation was closed without charges in 2019, the woman shifted her narrative, David Humphrey argued. The detective in charge of the case had told her she didn't appear intoxicated in security videos from the hotel, so she added a new element in making a civil claim, alleging she was scared of the men in the room, Humphrey argued. The judge is expected to deliver her ruling on July 24. NHL Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists Editorial Cartoons Toronto Blue Jays
CTV News
03-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Defence wraps its case in hockey players' sex assault trial
With the final witness completing their testimony today, lawyers will make closing arguments next week, reports CTV London's Nick Paparella. Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault On Monday morning, Dan Brown, lawyer for Alex Formenton, told the court his client would not be testifying in his own defence in a London, Ont., courtroom. Brown called Det. Lyndsey Ryan to the witness box. Ryan led the second investigation in the case that led to the sexual assault charges against the five former junior hockey players. Ryan testified that when she spoke with E.M., she got the impression she was 'opening up some wounds' E.M. was 'trying to close.' Court heard Ryan did not interview the friends E.M. was with the night of the alleged assault because they 'had no idea what happened after Jack's' and she was 'trying to respect that.' In cross-examination, Crown lawyer Meaghan Cunningham asked Ryan about the 2018 video interview with E.M. and retired police officer Steven Newton. The Crown suggested E.M. appeared to be 'self-blaming,' to which Ryan agreed. Ryan testified she found E.M.'s behaviour to be 'quite normal' given previous experiences with sexual assault cases. Co-accused Dillon Dube and Cal Foote will not be testifying. All the defence lawyers have closed their cases, as has the Crown. Lawyers will make their closing arguments next week. If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911. A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found on the website for the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres. Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here. National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419 24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366 Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648 Read about your rights as a victim here.
