Testimony in Hockey Assault Case Concludes
A Canadian woman, 27, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by five professional NHL players, wrapped up her testimony on May 9. The case has stirred significant attention and concern.
The woman’s legal team filed a complaint claiming that the defense lawyer was seen laughing at certain moments during the proceedings. This behavior triggered a response from Ontario Superior Court Judge Maria Carotcia, who is now responsible for determining the outcome for the accused players.
It all started when one of the junior representatives mentioned feeling ridiculed while arriving at court. She asserted that a lawyer for one of the defendants laughed as she walked in each day. In a memo sent to the judge, she accused the two defense attorneys of mocking her appearance.
“Every time we enter court, they observe us, whisper to each other, turn to each other and laugh as if they were discussing what we look like. This is professional and unacceptable,” the note stated.
Attorneys Daniel Brown and Hilary Dudding refuted these claims. The alleged victim, whose identity remains protected under a publication ban, recounted experiences involving Calfoot, who last played for the New Jersey Devils, stating that players were laughing during uncomfortable moments.
“They were all laughing and I thought it was hilarious,” she shared. “That wasn’t interesting to me. They had a great time at my expense.”
The police investigation into the allegations initially closed in 2019 without charges, but Hockey Canada had launched its investigation, which was halted in 2020 due to difficulties in engaging women in the process. It was later revived in the wake of protests regarding a settlement reached with women by Hockey Canada in 2022.
By 2024, the police announced criminal charges were forthcoming based on newly available evidence, although specific details were not disclosed.
This case is not the first to create confusion in court. Issues arose previously when Judge Carotcia addressed an improper lunch break interaction between a junior judge and a defense attorney, leading to the selection of a new junior umpire. Fourteen other plaintiffs remain to file their lawsuits.
On a different note, following a special event in London, Ontario, the accused players celebrated winning a Canadian gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship the same night. The players—Cal Foot, Michael McLeod from the Devils, Ottawa Senator Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube from the Flames, and Carter Hart from the Flyers—all pleaded not guilty, arguing that the events of the night were consensual.
According to the complainant, she only returned to the hotel with McLeod, while the other players were allegedly present without her approval. Each player faces one count of sexual assault, and McLeod is also charged as being an accomplice, potentially facing a 20-year sentence if convicted.
Currently, none of the five players hold positions on NHL rosters or have signed contracts with any teams.
