Warning: This article contains details of alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to readers.
The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial continued on Tuesday, with the first Crown witness, London Police detective Tiffany Waque, providing further testimony. The trial involves five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, each facing charges related to an alleged sexual assault in June 2018.
The Charges and Allegations
The accused players are Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote. McLeod faces an additional charge of sexual assault as a party to the offense. These charges stem from an alleged incident that took place in a hotel room in London, Ontario, following a Hockey Canada gala. The complainant, identified as E.M. in court documents (with her identity protected under a publication ban), has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the players. All five players have pleaded not guilty.
Evidence Presented in Court
Crown attorney Heather Donkers continued to present key pieces of evidence, including photos and footage from security cameras and phone cameras. The footage, which was filmed inside Jack’s Bar in London, shows the first interactions between E.M. and members of the 2018 world junior team.
One of the videos shows E.M. standing at one of the smaller bars inside Jack’s when she is approached by a man, identified by Detective Waque as Brett Howden. Howden, a former member of the world junior team and currently with the Vegas Golden Knights, initially speaks to E.M. before returning with McLeod. Both players are seen wearing backward baseball caps in the video.
Further footage shows E.M. and McLeod taking shots of alcohol together, while other videos capture the atmosphere on the dance floor at Jack’s. These videos were taken by Ottawa Senators right winger Drake Batherson, who is also a potential witness in the trial. In one video, players such as Batherson, Howden, McLeod, and current Calgary Flames defenseman Jake Bean are seen dancing to the song Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
Another video from Batherson’s phone shows McLeod, Foote, and other team members dancing to Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi. The footage was taken between midnight and 2:30 a.m. on June 19, 2018, though determining the exact time was difficult due to the players’ phones being set to different time zones.
Court Delays and Technical Issues
Due to technical difficulties and heat-related issues in the courtroom, the trial was adjourned early on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive day of shortened proceedings. Justice Maria Carroccia addressed these issues and informed the jury that the trial would resume the following day. The jury was sent home for the day, and Waque’s testimony, along with more video and photo evidence, will continue on Wednesday morning.
What’s Next in the Trial?
As the trial moves forward, more video footage and witness testimony will likely play a critical role in presenting the full picture of the events surrounding the alleged assault. The trial will continue with the presentation of evidence, and the court proceedings will aim to bring clarity to this serious case.
