Hockey sexual assault trial to resume in front of jury Friday

The trial of five former NHL players accused of a 2018 sexual assault will resume on Friday in front of a jury.

Apr 25, 2025 - 00:13
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Hockey sexual assault trial to resume in front of jury Friday
Editor’s note
The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in the United States, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here.

LONDON, Ont. — The trial of five former NHL players accused of a 2018 sexual assault will resume on Friday in front of a jury.

Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is overseeing the trial. A publication ban prevents us from describing what happened in court on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Carroccia told the jury that “something happened over the lunch hour that I need to think about and to discuss with the lawyers” before excusing the jury for the day. More details about the incident were not disclosed to the jury.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Crown’s opening statement laid out a roadmap of the evidence that is expected to be presented during the trial and that the case will largely hinge on consent.

Michael McLeod, 27, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, including one relating to aiding in the offence. Dillon Dube, 26, Cal Foote, 26, Alex Formenton, 25, and Carter Hart, 26, have each been charged with one count of sexual assault. All five men have pleaded not guilty.

The trial is expected to take five to eight weeks.