In a serious case that has caught national attention, a woman testified on Friday about an alleged sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team. The trial is taking place in London, Ontario, and includes five players: Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote. All five have pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault. McLeod faces an additional charge as a party to the offence.
What Happened According to the Complainant
The complainant, known as E.M., is protected by a publication ban. She testified through CCTV video from another room inside the courthouse. E.M. said she was heavily intoxicated and found it easier to go along with McLeod to his hotel room rather than saying “no.”
She shared that the incident took place after a Hockey Canada gala on June 18, 2018. E.M. had just completed her second year of university and had gone out with friends to Jack’s Bar that night. There, she met McLeod and other members of the team, though she didn’t recognize them as hockey players at first.
Alleged Events at the Bar
E.M. recalled consuming a large amount of alcohol that night—around 11 drinks at the bar, plus two coolers before leaving home. She described feeling mentally “all over the place” and not always knowing who she was dancing with. Security footage played in court showed McLeod and teammates interacting with E.M., including moments where she said she was touched inappropriately and made to touch others against her will.
When asked about why she went with McLeod to the hotel, she explained that she didn’t want to upset anyone and felt emotionally confused due to her intoxicated state.
Arrival at the Hotel
Footage showed E.M. leaving the bar with McLeod and entering the Delta Armouries Hotel. E.M. again stated how drunk she felt and described herself as emotionally overwhelmed.
Testimonies from Other Team Members
Two other members of the 2018 team, Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk, testified for the Crown. Neither of them is facing any charges.
Raddysh confirmed hearing loud noises from McLeod’s hotel room but said he didn’t witness anything. Katchouk testified that McLeod had asked him if he “wanted a gummer” (referring to oral sex). Katchouk, who had a girlfriend at the time, said he laughed off the comment and left shortly after.
During cross-examination, Katchouk said the woman in the hotel room appeared to be “comfortable” and even “flirty,” according to the defense.
What’s Next?
The trial is expected to continue on Monday, with further testimony from E.M. and cross-examination from the defense team.
