In a 2018 lawsuit in Canada, four National Hockey League players were accused of sexual assault, according to their attorneys.
Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, and Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames have been charged with sexual assault in connection with an investigation into Canada’s 2018 world junior team incident.
Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Dillon Dube of the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, and Calgary Flames have been charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged attack by 2018 world junior team members.
London, Ontario police charged Hart, McLeod, Foote, and Dube with sexual assault on Tuesday, according to their attorneys. For their clients, they denied wrongdoing.
The attorneys defending Hart, Megan Savard and Riaz Sayani, stated, “He is innocent and will provide a full response to this false accusation in the proper forum, a court of law.” Hart faces one count of sexual assault.
McLeod and Dube’s lawyers indicated they’d plead not guilty.
McLeod’s attorneys, David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein, stated, “(We) will vigorously defend the case.” Mr. McLeod and his family’s privacy should be respected. We will not comment because the issue is before the court.”
Attorneys Louis Strezos and Kayleigh Davidson said Dube “maintains his innocence (and) will defend the allegations in court.”
Foote’s lawyer, Julianna Greenspan, claimed he was “innocent of the charge and will defend himself against this allegation to clear his name.”
Greenspan wrote The Associated Press, “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 case is in court, please respect Cal and his family’s privacy.”
A Devils representative said the team is aware of the claims and must submit questions to the league. The Flyers “will respond appropriately to this very serious matter when the outcomes of the investigations are made public,” according to a spokesman.
Flames statement: “We have now become aware of the charge of sexual assault that has been laid against Dillon Dube. “This matter is serious. We cannot comment because the subject is in court.”
Expect no NHL response Tuesday. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will speak at All-Star Weekend.
Former NHL player Alex Formenton surrendered to authorities two days ago. Formenton’s attorney, Daniel Brown, claimed innocence “and urged caution in judging without all the facts.
Five players have left their teams in the previous 10 days. Since, their representatives haven’t talked.
To handle the matter, London police have set a Monday news conference. Police informed the AP by email that no investigative updates will be given until the news conference.
Hockey Canada resolved a lawsuit with a woman who claimed eight gold medalists sexually abused her during a Hockey Canada Foundation charity banquet in 2022, prompting London police to investigate. London is about midway between Toronto and Detroit.
Case filings state that a guy, known only as “John Doe #1,” lured the 20-year-old lady from a bar to a hotel room and recruited seven others to engage secret sexual activities, frightening her and preventing her from leaving. The lady sued, saying the guys told her to wash and declare she was sober on tape.
Following a deal with Hockey Canada, the lady abandoned her $3.55 million claim.
Since 2022, the NHL has investigated and promised to release its findings. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said last week the league will publish a statement when appropriate.
The Flyers stated Hart was granted a personal leave on request. Following concerns about the 25-year-old No. 1 goaltender’s departure, general manager Daniel Briere declined to comment.
The Devils gave McLeod and Foote indefinite leaves without explanation. McLeod, who turns 26 on Saturday, is in his fourth full season with the franchise, while Foote, son of former NHL player Adam Foote, has played in the AHL and four games for New Jersey.
Flames said Dube was on extended leave for mental health. On Tuesday, they claimed they “had no knowledge of pending charges at the time Dillon’s request for a leave of absence was granted.”
Since 2018, Dube has played for Calgary.
