NHL commissioner responds to world juniors assault investigation
CTV
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the ongoing police investigation against five former world junior hockey players expected to face charges of sexual assault next week. The league carried out its own investigation into the allegations, but has yet to release its findings.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took questions Friday on the ongoing police investigation against five former world junior hockey players expected to face charges of sexual assault next week.
The league carried out its own investigation into the allegations, but has yet to release its findings. Bettman said that once the criminal investigation was over the league would respond appropriately.
Last week, the Globe and Mail reported that five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team will face sexual assault charges in connection to an alleged group sexual assault of a woman in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada event in June 2018.
In 2022, a woman identified as "E.M." sued Hockey Canada and eight unnamed players from the 2018 world junior team, alleging she was repeatedly assaulted while intoxicated in a London, Ont., hotel room. The lawsuit was settled out of court.
London police reportedly ordered five players to surrender. Identified by their own lawyers and TSN, they are Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and Alex Formenton, who last played in the NHL for the Ottawa Senators.
The accused players have all been granted indefinite leave from their pro clubs. Bettman said on Friday they are still being paid.
“They’re all away from their teams on leave, and they’re all free agents,” said Bettman.
