London, Ont., police apologize to woman in sex assault case involving 5 ex-world junior hockey players

RCI

Police chief recognizes her ‘courage, incredible strength’ while speaking on time it took to lay charges

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

I want to extend on behalf of the London Police Service my sincerest apology to the victim and her family for the amount of time that it has taken to reach this point, Truong told a news conference. As a police officer working in this space for many years, I can tell you that this is a difficult, difficult situation for all victims and survivors of sexual violence.

The initial police investigation, which began shortly after the June 2018 complaint and ended without charges in 2019, was reopened in 2022 by Truong’s predecessor, then Chief Steve Williams.

The woman’s identity and the identities of two witnesses are protected by a court-ordered publication ban.

I want to recognize and acknowledge and recognize the victim for her courage and her incredible strength throughout, Truong said.

Truong also confirmed the charges against Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, both of the New Jersey Devils, Dillon Dubé of the Calgary Flames, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers and former NHL player Alex Formenton, who’s now playing hockey in Switzerland. McLeod faces an additional charge of being party to an offence.

The news conference was held hours after lawyers for the accused attended a brief procedural court hearing (new window) via video link in London, where the next court date, April 30, was set.

No details given for reopening case

Truong would not offer specifics about what prompted police to reopen the case three years after the initial investigation ended.

This review involved re-examining initial investigative steps, gathering additional evidence and obtaining new information, he said. As a result, we have found sufficient steps to charge five adult males with sexual assault.

Truong was repeatedly asked for more details about new evidence that caused them to revisit the original investigation, but would not give details, saying he did not want to compromise a complex case now before the courts.

There is a time and place for me to provide these answers, he said. That time is not now.

Truong said the move to reopen the investigation was a continuation of the first probe, but with new information.

This is not two investigations — it’s one, he said.

Four of the players, excluding Formenton, are under contract with NHL teams until the end of this season. They are technically on paid leave.

Hockey Canada and the NHL have also launched their own investigations.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said last week the league would wait until the criminal case has concluded before commenting. Hockey Canada has not issued an official statement on the charges.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via this Government of Canada website (new window) or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database (new window). ​​If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.

CBC News with files from CBC’s Meagan Fitzpatrick, Karen Pauls