4 more members of 2018 World Juniors team charged with sexual assault

Four more members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team have now been charged with sexual assault by police in London, Ont., bringing the total number of players from that team charged to five.

Lawyers representing Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and Devils defenceman Cal Foote confirmed the charges in statements shared with Sportsnet.

On Sunday, former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton turned himself in to police in London.

“The London Police Service have charged Mr. Dubé with sexual assault,” Louis P. Strezos and Kaleigh Davidson said in a statement to Sportsnet. “He will plead not guilty and maintains his innocence. He will defend the allegations in court. We ask that you respect the privacy of Mr. Dubé and that of his family. There will be no further comment at this time.”

“We act for Carter Hart and confirm he has been charged with one count of sexual assault,” Megan Savard and Riaz Sayani of Savard and Foy said in a statement. “He is innocent and will provide a full response to this false allegation in the proper forum, a court of law. Until then, we have no comment.”

“We can now confirm that more than five and a half years after EM’s initial complaint to police, the London Police Service has charged Mike McLeod with sexual assault,” David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein of Greenspan Humphrey Weinstein said in a statement provided to Sportsnet. “Mr. McLeod denies any criminal wrongdoing. He will be pleading not guilty and will vigorously defend the case. None of the evidence has been presented, let alone tested in court. We ask that the public respect Mr. McLeod’s privacy, and his family’s privacy. Because the matter is now before the court, we will not comment further at this time.”

“I can confirm that my client, Cal Foote, was charged with sexual assault,” Julianna Greenspan of Greenspan Partners LLP said in a statement. “Cal is innocent of the charge and will defend himself against this allegation to clear his name. What is most critical at this time is the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial that everyone in Canada is entitled to. As the matter is before the Court, I ask that Cal’s and his family’s privacy be respected. There will be no further comment at this time.”

In May 2022, it was revealed that a woman had alleged in a lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted by eight men, including members of the 2018 men’s world junior team, in June 2018. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit with the woman, known only as E.M., for an undisclosed sum before the allegations came to light. Hockey Canada’s handling of the suit led to a national reckoning for the organization, including hearings in Ottawa and turnover of its leadership.

A year ago, London police filed an application with the Ontario Court of Justice stating they had reasonable grounds to believe five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team had sexually assaulted a woman.

None of the allegations against the five players charged have been heard in court.

Dube, 25, is a six-year NHL veteran who has appeared in 325 games. He took a leave of absence on Jan. 21 and the Flames said in a statement he would be meeting with medical professionals for his mental health.

Hart, 25, asked for and was granted a leave of absence by the Flyers on Jan. 23. He is a six-year NHL veteran who has appeared in 227 games.

McLeod, 25, was granted a leave of absence by the Devils on Jan. 24. He is a six-year NHL veteran who has appeared in 287 games.

Foote, 25, has appeared in 145 NHL games over parts of five seasons with the Devils, Predators and Lightning. He was granted a leave of absence by the Devils on Jan. 24.

Formenton, 24, currently plays for Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss hockey league. He was granted a leave of absence by his club on Jan. 24.

London police have called a press conference for Feb. 5 to provide an update on the case.