Five former Canadian ice hockey players stand trial, accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. The trial, which has captured national attention, revolves around whether the woman, who was 20 at the time, consented to a series of sexual acts during a hotel encounter in London, Ontario. The players have denied the allegations, claiming she consented to everything that occurred.
The case has placed Hockey Canada, the country’s hockey governing body, under a harsh spotlight. The woman, known as EM due to a legal publication ban, testified that she was initially with one player, Michael McLeod, for consensual sex. However, she claims things took a disturbing turn when McLeod invited his teammates into the room. According to EM, she was left feeling humiliated and shocked as the men continued to engage in sexual acts with her that she did not consent to.
The players—McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart—offer a different account. Their defense lawyers argue that EM willingly engaged in the acts and even seemed to suggest that she was eager for an exciting night. They point to text messages where EM allegedly discussed inviting others for a “wild” time.
As the trial unfolded, the details grew more graphic and complex. EM’s testimony painted a picture of discomfort and a loss of control, with some players allegedly discussing inappropriate acts and even suggesting filming her. The defense has also pointed out that EM did not initially tell her friend that she felt assaulted, suggesting that the encounter was consensual.
One of the key legal battles has been over the interpretation of consent. Crown attorney Heather Donkers made it clear that this case was not about whether EM could have removed herself from an unwelcome situation, but whether she explicitly consented to each sexual act.
The trial has faced significant setbacks, including the declaration of a mistrial and the dismissal of the jury after accusations of misconduct by defense lawyers. The case will now be decided solely by Justice Maria Carroccia, bypassing the need for a jury.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has ignited national conversations about the culture of hockey, particularly within Hockey Canada. The organization faced a public reckoning when it was revealed that it had quietly settled with the woman in 2022 and had set up a fund to handle similar cases. This caused major sponsors to pull their support, and the government froze Hockey Canada’s funding. The organization has since promised to address the “systemic issues” within the sport.
This case also highlights the shifting legal landscape regarding consent in Canada. Canadian law emphasizes that consent must be a clear, affirmative “yes” rather than the absence of a “no,” and that it cannot be given beforehand or retroactively. This trial may set a significant precedent for how consent is understood in sexual assault cases going forward.
The wider impact of the trial on Canadian society cannot be overstated. As the trial has progressed, public interest has only increased. Legal experts, such as Daphne Gilbert, note that the case could reshape how courts view consent and sexual assault in the future. Many are questioning whether the legal process is fair to victims, especially considering the harsh cross-examinations EM has faced.
Some, like the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, argue that the trial perpetuates harmful myths about sexual assault, while others wonder if the experience will have a lasting negative impact on EM.
With the fate of the players hanging in the balance, the case continues to raise critical questions not only about hockey’s culture but also about how Canadian society handles sexual violence and the treatment of victims.
This updated version presents the story in clearer, more direct language while retaining key details. It also emphasizes the wider social and cultural implications of the trial, making the story more accessible and impactful for readers. The title is revised to capture both the legal drama and the broader consequences for the sport and society.
