Latest news with #JusticeCarroccia
National Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Terry Newman: Hockey Canada acquittals a reckoning for MeToo excess
Everyone in Canada seems to be living in the upside-down when it comes to the results of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. Headlines call the outcome everything from a ' crushing day ' to ' absolutely gutting for sexual assault survivors.' Megan Savard, a female lawyer representing one of the players, was criticized for even taking the case solely on the basis of being female. Article content Article content After seven long years, not only did Justice Maria Carroccia deliver verdicts of not guilty on all counts, she went much further, concluding that the complainant in the case had consented. Thursday's ruling is a reckoning — not for Hockey Canada, but for North American society, and the excesses of the MeToo movement. Article content Article content The years leading up to this point included a shady settlement paid out by Hockey Canada without the knowledge of the then junior hockey players who were eventually charged, a mistrial, and two dismissed juries. Article content And after it all, Carroccia found all five accused, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, not guilty. Article content 'I do not find the evidence of E.M. credible or reliable. The Crown did not meet the onus on any of the counts before me,' she said when delivering her verdict in London, Ont. Thursday morning. Article content 'Much has been made in this case about the concept of consent. This case, on its facts, does not raise issues of the reformulation of the legal concept of consent. In this case, I have found actual consent not vitiated by fear.' Article content Article content In other words, based on inconsistencies in testimony and the evidence provided, Justice Carroccia did not believe sexual assault had taken place. Article content Article content E.M., the complainant, claimed during the trial she had been coerced into non-consensual sexual acts by multiple players in a hotel room, feeling intimidated and unable to leave. The defence, on the other hand, maintained that the acts performed that night were consensual, based on her willingness to engage in the acts and two recorded videos, one in which she said that she was 'okay with this,' and 'it was all consensual.' Article content In her version of the story, E.M. only consented to sex with one of the men, McLeod, who later texted the other men in a group chat to ask if they wanted to join them for group sex. Article content In McLeod's version, when more men arrived in the room, E.M. asked them to have sex with her, was upset when they would not, and offered them oral sex instead. Article content The judge, though, pointed to the inconsistencies between E.M.'s initial 2018 police statement and her 2022 civil suit against the players and Hockey Canada. In the first statement 'she did not describe being scared in the room.' Fear was not mentioned until the civil suit.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Globe and Mail
Advocates describe ‘heartbreaking' verdict in Hockey Canada trial
Advocates for survivors of sexual violence warn that Thursday's verdict in the Hockey Canada case could discourage victims from going to police. Five former junior hockey players were acquitted of sexual assault after a trial that included seven days of gruelling cross-examination of the complainant by different defence lawyers. In delivering her ruling, the judge said the woman was not credible. Supporters of sexual-violence victims say they are disappointed by the verdict, which they say was based on misconceptions about survivors. 'There was real harm done today with this judgment,' said Jessie Rodger, the executive director of London-based Anova, which provides support to those affected by gender-based violence. Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were acquitted on all charges of sexually assaulting a woman, known publicly as E.M., in London, Ont., in 2018. In her decision, Justice Maria Carroccia said that E.M. was not as intoxicated or scared on the night of the sexual encounter as she later testified. Justice Carroccia also concluded that E.M. consented to sexual activity. Read the judge's full decision in Hockey Canada sexual-assault trial This kind of argument, Ms. Rodger said, amounted to victim blaming. 'Every rape myth that my organization has put to bed over the last 20 years was coming up,' Ms. Rodger said. Kat Owens, a lawyer and the interim legal director of LEAF, which uses litigation, law reform and public legal education to advance gender equity, said she was 'disheartened' to hear some of the language being used in Justice Carroccia's decision. While the judge conceded it was a 'relatively minor point,' she cited examples such as E.M.'s inconsistencies about her weight as flaws in her credibility. 'The complainant was asked why she testified in chief that she weighed 120 lbs when, after reviewing her medical records she knew that when she was weighed by the nurse on June 22, 2018, she actually weighed 138 lbs,' wrote Justice Carroccia in her decision. Jeff Manishen, a criminal-defence lawyer who is not involved in the case, said it was notable that the judge concluded E.M. consented, which was more than what was required to find the accused men not guilty. 'A finding of actual consent is significant, if only because she could've said, 'I have a reasonable doubt about whether the complainant did, in fact, consent,'' he said. Shortly before the decision was announced on Thursday afternoon, Deepa Mattoo, a lawyer and executive director at Toronto's Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, said she and others at the clinic, which provides free legal advice for survivors of sexual violence, had been watching the reporting coming from the courthouse in London. 'I can tell you that some of the conversations that we are having is that this is anxiety-provoking, and it's very heartbreaking, and there is a lot of disappointment,' Ms. Mattoo said. She said the threshold for proving sexual assault beyond reasonable doubt is so high that survivors 'who take so much courage in coming forward' often have to face the 'harsh reality' that what they say can't be proved in court. She said that survivors were hoping to see some acknowledgment that what happened to E.M. was wrong. On Thursday, advocates for survivors of sexual violence showed up outside the courthouse in London to support E.M. and other survivors. Outside the courthouse after the verdict, E.M.'s lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, said that 'the justice system must do better.' '[E.M.] felt that the sexual violence she experienced should not be concealed, she felt there needed to be accountability, but her choice to testify came at a great personal cost,' Ms. Bellehumeur said. Nearby, a woman held a sign that read, 'Thank you E.M. for your courage.' The London Abused Women's Centre has seen a slight uptick in calls over the past few months, executive director Jennifer Dunn said. Even some long-term clients have been affected by the case as it triggers old feelings, she said. 'It's definitely impacting people, and in a long-term way, in a historical way, and in a crisis-like way,' Ms. Dunn said. Despite the verdict that was heard on Thursday, Ms. Rodger said they hope this case has a positive and lasting impact. Since the trial began, more than 250 people have applied to volunteer with Anova. Ms. Rodger said they hope survivors of sexual assault are aware that there are centres across the country that will provide support. 'You will be believed,' Ms. Rodger said. With reports from Sophia Coppolino, Sean Fine and Robyn Doolittle
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Canadian hockey players found not guilty in controversial sexual assault case after years amid witness inconsistencies
Ontario Court acquits five Canadian hockey players in high-profile sexual assault case (Getty Images) Five former Canadian junior hockey players were acquitted of sexual assault charges tied to a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. The judgment, delivered by Justice Maria Carroccia, concluded a lengthy and high-profile trial that had become a national conversation on consent, memory, and the legal threshold for criminal responsibility. Judge cites insufficient evidence and inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony After an eight-week trial that captured the attention of the nation, Justice Carroccia found Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart not guilty. The former Canadian World Junior team members had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman, referred to as EM, in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada gala. Carroccia spent hours detailing her reasoning, underscoring contradictions in EM's testimony, including discrepancies about who bought drinks and conflicting accounts provided to police and Hockey Canada investigators. 'She went to great lengths to emphasize how intoxicated she was,' said Justice Carroccia. However, the judge added that surveillance footage and witness testimony did not corroborate the level of impairment EM described. Two videos shown during the trial, one taken without her knowledge, showed EM appearing composed, smiling, and providing verbal consent — though the judge clarified that the videos alone did not legally establish consent under Canadian law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo The ruling emphasized the importance of establishing credibility and reliability in a complainant's account, something the Crown, in the judge's view, failed to do. 'The Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts,' she concluded. Emotional fallout, public protests, and future implications The courtroom was packed, with additional rooms opened for the overflow crowd. As the not-guilty verdicts were read, visible signs of relief were seen among the players and their families. Yet, outside the courthouse and on social media, a different emotion pulsed — frustration, sorrow, and disbelief. EM did not appear in person but watched the hearing virtually. Her lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, expressed disappointment: 'She's really never experienced not being believed like this before… She agreed to do everything asked of her by the criminal justice system… yet it was not enough.' Protesters gathered outside with signs in support of EM, warning the outcome could cast a chilling effect on future survivors of sexual assault. One protester stated, 'This verdict will influence how sexual assault cases are viewed in Canada for the next decade.' The NHL, where four of the players had active contracts at the time of the charges, reiterated that they remain ineligible to play until the league completes its internal review. Meanwhile, the NHLPA called the eligibility ruling 'inconsistent' with standard procedures and advocated for the players' return. Crown prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham acknowledged the verdict but stood by the complainant: 'A successful prosecution is not measured solely by guilty verdicts. Our goal was a fair trial — fair to both EM and the accused.' An appeal is still being considered, with a 30-day window to file. As legal teams retreat and the headlines begin to fade, the emotional and cultural resonance of the case is expected to linger, not just within the hockey community but across the broader conversation on consent and justice. FAQs Q1: Who were the five hockey players acquitted in the sexual assault case? Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart were acquitted by an Ontario judge. Q2: What was the main reason for the acquittal? The judge ruled the complainant's testimony lacked sufficient credibility and consistency to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Q3: Will the players return to the NHL? They remain ineligible pending the NHL's internal review of the court's findings. Also Read: Isaac Howard isn't enough: Edmonton Oilers still active in trade market to give Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl the help they need For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five ice hockey players found not guilty in Canada sexual assault case
Five Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman were all acquitted by an Ontario judge on Thursday. In a packed courtroom, Justice Maria Carroccia reviewed testimony and evidence from the highly publicised eight-week trial over the course of several hours, before declaring the men not guilty. The former players for Canada's world junior hockey team were accused of assaulting the woman, known as EM, in a hotel room in 2018 in London, Ontario, where they had attended a Hockey Canada gala. Justice Carroccia said she did not find EM's evidence "credible or reliable". She added that "the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me". The central issue of the trial was whether EM, who was 20 at the time, had consented to every sexual act in the room that night. Lawyers for the players contended that she asked the men to have sex with her and they believed she gave consent. Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were all players with the National Hockey League (NHL) when the allegations surfaced, although one was playing in Europe. Only one, Mr Hart, testified in his own defence. The trial attracted significant attention in Canada, and so many people attended court to hear the ruling on Thursday that clerks had to open two additional overflow rooms. Hockey Canada: A sex assault scandal disgraces country's pastime Four NHL players charged in Canada over 2018 sexual assault In explaining her ruling, Justice Carroccia pointed to inconsistencies in EM's testimony, including about who had bought drinks that night, and said EM's statements reflected an "uncertain memory" that did not line up with evidence presented in the trial. There were differences in what the woman told police investigators and those for Hockey Canada, which settled a C$3.5m ($2.5m; £1.9m) lawsuit for an undisclosed sum in 2022, as well, the judge said. Two videos from the incident were shared in the trial, where EM was recorded giving her consent to the activities. The first was taken without her knowledge. While, under Canadian law, the videos did not establish consent, the judge said they did show EM "speaking normally, smiling," and that she "did not appear to be in distress." That undercut the Crown's argument that EM did not leave the room out of fear, she said. It is unclear if the Crown will appeal the ruling, with prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham saying in a statement that they will carefully review the decision. She also said they had received "dozens of messages from people across Canada and abroad" expressing thanks and support for EM. "A successful prosecution is not measured solely by whether there are guilty verdicts at the end," she said. "The Crown's goal throughout this proceeding has been to see a fair trial, a trial that is fair to the men charged, and one that is also fair to EM." Throughout the trial, the Crown argued the woman's testimony was credible, that "intoxication does not equal unreliability" and that any inconsistencies in her testimony were minor. They also argued the woman did not have a motive to fabricate a story and that she had initially reported the alleged assault to police in 2018, four years before filing the lawsuit against Hockey Canada. They added that text messages between the players allegedly showed it was Mr McLeod's idea to invite his teammates to the room and that the players allegedly engaged in "getting their story straight" by drafting a narrative that EM had consented to all sexual activity. Defence lawyers, however, argued that EM's testimony was undermined by eyewitness evidence , in which other players who were in the hotel room that night but were not charged said she was "vocal" about what she wanted sexually. They said the evidence suggested the woman was a willing participant who later experienced regret, and added that intoxication in this case did not equal "incapacity", submitting video evidence suggesting EM had not shown signs of extreme intoxication.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Hockey Canada live updates: Judge says complainant appeared sober on night of alleged assault
– David Ebner While the court is on a 15-minute recess, I return to an early statement by Justice Carroccia as she began the morning. This is a heavy case for everyone involved, but the judge suggested there are not necessarily wider legal implications that flow from the evidence or her ruling: 'Much has been made in this case about the concept of consent,' the judge said. 'This case on its facts does not raise issues of the reformulation of the legal concept of consent. In this case I have found actual consent not vitiated by fear.' Consent in law is governed by Section 273 of the Criminal Code, which states that consent 'must be present at the time the sexual activity in question takes place.' -Robyn Doolittle Before the morning break, we were about an hour and 20 minutes into the verdict. So far, it has mostly been a straight rehashing of the facts that came out in court, which is typical. We have not yet heard any of the judge's analysis of these facts. – Robyn Doolittle Court is now breaking for morning recess. Justice Carroccia said she is halfway through her verdict. As the judge leaves the room for the morning break, the players' family stand up and hug each other. The players are also embracing their lawyers and families. Many people are crying. - Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia has moved on to discuss evidence given during testimony from some other members of the 2018 world junior team, who spent time in room 209, but are not accused of any wrongdoing. She then mentioned the players' group chat, which was created after members of the 2018 world junior team realized Hockey Canada was investigating the alleged sexual assault. They understood at the time it was a Code of Conduct violation. Justice Carroccia told the court that any comments made by players in the chat who didn't testify at the trial, would be considered hearsay evidence (meaning it won't be considered). – David Ebner Justice Carroccia spent about six minutes detailing evidence on the two consent videos, which were shot around 3:30 a.m. and 4:20 a.m. The judge didn't discuss the legal merits of the videos but did say that the complainant spoke 'clearly and coherently' in the second video. Experts have said such videos, especially the second one, don't carry legal weight, because the law says consent must be voluntary, continuous, and given for each sex act. During closing arguments, the Crown had called the videos 'token lip service box-checking.' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia is now discussing the text exchange between E.M. and Mr. McLeod after the alleged assault, in which the player pressed E.M. to make the police investigation 'go away.' 'You said you were having fun,' Mr. McLeod wrote. 'I was really drunk, didn't feel good about it at all after. But I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble,' E.M. replied. 'I was okay with going home with you, it was everyone else afterwards that I wasn't expecting,' she wrote. 'I just felt like I was being made fun of and taken advantage of.' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia is now recapping what was said in the consent videos recorded by Michael McLeod. The first is six seconds long and shows E.M. from the neck up. Mr. McLeod says: 'You're okay with this?' E.M. replies: 'I'm okay with this.' The second clip is 12 seconds long. In this video, E.M. is covering herself with a towel. 'Are you recording me?' she asks. 'Ok, good. It was all consensual. You are so paranoid, holy. I enjoyed it, it was fine. It was all consensual. I am so sober, that's why I can't do this right now.' E.M. alleged in court that although she said it was all consensual 'that is not in fact how she felt at the time.' The judge says in these videos, E.M. shows no sign of intoxication. She is speaking clearly and is not slurring. – Mariya Postelnyak A spokesperson for Avangard Omsk, the KHL team based in Omsk, Russia, for which Michael McLeod played last season, said in a statement ahead of the judge's decision that the club has been closely monitoring the situation 'from day one' and remains in constant contact with his representatives. 'It's no secret that, should the court issue a favorable ruling, Avangard would be interested in having Michael continue playing for the [Avangard] hawks,' said Tatiana Kozlova, adding that he's a highly skilled player who has gained a fanbase in Omsk. 'Like everyone else, we await the verdict – let it be fair to all parties involved.' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia is still going through the events in the hotel room, including allegations from E.M. that she had been crying either because the men were making fun of her or because of comments the men were making. The judge highlights that during cross-examination by David Humphrey (Michael McLeod's lawyer), E.M. acknowledged that Mr. McLeod had asked her if she was okay with things and that she replied that she was. (This exchange was captured on video.) E.M. told the court in response to this admission: 'What else was I supposed to say at that point?' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia notes that E.M. agreed with a suggestion by defence lawyer Megan Savard (who is representing Carter Hart) that she had very little memory of what she said inside the hotel room. E.M. said it did not feel like she had a choice but to go along with the sexual acts, however, the judge notes that E.M. said it was possible she adopted 'the persona of a porn star' because she believed that is what the men wanted. – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia is continuing to recap the events in the hotel room and the testimony heard during the trial. She highlights that E.M. acknowledged it was possible she was being 'flirty' with the players in the hotel room. E.M. told the court that had she been thinking clearly – and not drunk – she could have left. E.M. said she was acting on 'auto-pilot.' Justice Carroccia mentions E.M.'s statement that once the players entered the room, it felt like her mind and body separated. – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia says: 'I do not find the evidence of E.M. to be either credible or reliable.' She finds that consent was not vitiated by fear. As the judge says these words, members of the accused players' families have broken down in tears. She says that 'with respect to the charges before this court, having found that I cannot rely upon the evidence of E.M.… I conclude that the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me.' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Carroccia begins her decision with a recap of the night in question, starting with the Hockey Canada gala and then Jack's bar, where the complainant met the players. The judge notes that E.M. and Michael McLeod returned to his hotel, where they had consensual sex. Afterwards, E.M. has alleged that other members of the team entered the room and this is where she said she was sexually assaulted. The judge said that: 'E.M. felt she did not have a choice about whether to engage in the sexual activity, out of fear, intoxication or both.' – Robyn Doolittle Justice Maria Carroccia has entered the courtroom. She is starting to read her verdict. She said she will make a written copy available after. – Robyn Doolittle The proceedings have not yet begun. Staff appear to still be trying to figure out what to do with the very large number of spectators at the courthouse. Although it's a large courtroom, there actually aren't that many seats. About 50 people are in the room, and the majority of it is taken up by five tables designated for the defence teams and accused players. The players' families are sitting in two long rows behind the defence teams. Media and some spectators are dispersed between five short rows on the far side of the courtroom. – Colin Freeze The packed courtroom is buzzing with anticipation. By 9:45 a.m. a first-floor overflow room with 150 seats had completely filled up. At 9:50 a.m., a court services officer told the crowd that an additional room was being opened up on the 11th Floor to accommodate the overflow from the overflow. The overflow rooms will allow the public and some media members to watch what is happening in the 14th floor courtroom via video. – Robyn Doolittle Members of the media – many of us lined up outside around 6:15 a.m. – have just been let into the courtroom, which is packed. Dozens more reporters and spectators are waiting in line, hoping to get inside. Family members of the accused players were allowed in first as well as lawyers and some police officers. There is some discussion about opening up the jury box for more seating. – Globe Staff The complainant in the case is a woman publicly identified only as E.M., who was 20 years old at the time of the alleged assault. Her name is subject to a mandatory publication ban that applies to complainants in sexual assault cases. From 2022: Woman at centre of Hockey Canada scandal breaks silence – Globe staff The five former members of the 2018 Canadian world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault are Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote. Mr. McLeod also faces a second charge of being a party to sexual assault. The men have each pleaded not guilty. All five have denied wrongdoing, staged vigorous defences, and taken leaves from their teams. Four of the five players had been playing in the NHL prior to their arrests in 2024. Mr. Dubé was a member of the Calgary Flames, Mr. Hart was with the Philadelphia Flyers, and Mr. McLeod and Mr. Foote were playing for the New Jersey Devils. Mr. Formenton was playing for the Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta at the time, but he had previously been a member of the Ottawa Senators. Who are the 2018 world junior players charged with sexual assault? – Sophia Coppolino Before the court house opens, dozens of protesters held signs 'We believe E.M' and 'No more boys will be boys excuses.' Dillon Dubé is the first defendant to arrive at the courthouse with his lawyers. Protesters yelled 'loser' as he passed, while two others countered with 'not guilty.' – Robyn Doolittle This was the scene at the London Superior courthouse Thursday morning. Reporters and court watchers started lining up at 6:15 a.m. Justice Maria Carroccia is expected to begin delivering her verdict at 10 a.m. – Robyn Doolittle Good morning everyone. I'm Robyn Doolittle, a reporter with The Globe who focuses on investigations and law. I've been covering the Hockey Canada scandal since it first broke, and I've been covering the trial in London, Ont. I'm back at the courthouse this morning, awaiting Justice Carroccia's verdict. – Claire McFarlane Hi! I'm Claire McFarlane and I'm a general assignment reporter. I'm in Toronto today, speaking with advocates and people who support survivors of sexual violence about the verdict. – Colin Freeze I'm Colin Freeze and I cover crime, courts and security issues. I'm in the London courthouse today to cover the verdict. – David Ebner Hi I'm David Ebner and I cover the justice beat. I report on the Supreme Court of Canada and a wide range of legal cases/issues. I'm based in Vancouver and on Thursday morning, watching the verdict online, I'm looking at the legal question of consent and the 'consent videos' that were argued over at trial – listening for how Justice Maria Carroccia weighed and assessed these key elements of the case. – Sophia Coppolino Hi, I'm Sophia, and I'm a Globe reporter covering crime this summer. I'm outside the courthouse in London, keeping an eye on the crowds, including protests organized by supporters of sexual assault survivors, as the verdict is delivered today. - Simon Houpt Hi, I'm Simon Houpt and I've helped to cover the Hockey Canada file since it broke three years ago. I'm in Toronto, and I'm working the phones today with my sports colleague Marty Klinkenberg to gauge the reaction to the verdict by the NHL and the broader hockey world. - Sean Fine Today's verdict could break new ground on the question of what constitutes voluntary consent, in cases of an apparent power imbalance – in this instance, multiple men in a hotel room with an intoxicated woman most of them had never met. The trial has given a rare national profile to how the criminal-justice system addresses sexual assault. Front and centre is the issue of consent, and the 'honest but mistaken belief' defence that has been diminishing over the past several years. In Canadian law, consent is not just the absence of a 'no,' but requires an affirmation – a yes, in words or conduct. But what about when there is a yes, in circumstances in which an individual might not see a way out? Justice Maria Carroccia must decide whether E.M. was just 'going along to get along,' said Toronto lawyer David Butt, who was not involved in the case. And if so, did she induce an honest belief in the men, even if a mistaken one, that she was consenting? Read more about what the verdict could mean for consent law in Canada. – David Ebner Justice Maria Carroccia grew up in Windsor, Ont., born to Italian immigrants and the oldest of four children. Her father, Angelo, came to Canada in 1954 and worked as a construction crane operator. Her mother, Assunta, was a homemaker. Her parents, who didn't finish grade school, encouraged her education and she graduated in 1987 from the University of Windsor law school. Justice Carroccia worked for decades as a criminal-defence lawyer in Windsor before she was appointed as a judge to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2020. In her five years as a judge, Justice Carroccia has overseen high-profile and complex cases, from murders to sexual assault trials. She is married, and has two daughters. Justice Carroccia's work during the Hockey Canada trial focused on the nuances of sexual-assault law and what constitutes consent. Today, many people in the legal profession and across Canada will be listening to her every word. Read more about the judge deciding the case here. - Globe staff Five former members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team are awaiting the verdict in their sexual assault trial today. All of the men have pleaded not guilty and mounted vigorous defences in court. The case has spanned more than seven years, from two police investigations, a civil settlement, parliamentary hearings and independent probes by Hockey Canada and the NHL, to a tumultuous and intense weeks-long trial this spring plagued early on by disruptions. As you await the verdict, follow our guide to catch up on the case that has put Canada's legal system – and the country's beloved game – under the microscope. What to know about the Hockey Canada trial ahead of the verdict. - Globe staff Justice Maria Carroccia is scheduled to deliver her verdict after 10 a.m. ET in the same courtroom in London, Ont., where she heard the case. This date was set in mid-June.
