Michael McLeod and Cal Foote Named in 2018 Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Investigation, Face Charges

According to a report by Rick Westhead of TSN, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils have officially been named as part of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault investigation.

Westhead writes the accused, “have been directed to surrender to police in London, Ont., to be charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred during a Hockey Canada event in the city in June 2018.”

McLeod and Foote are two of five players named in the case in addition to Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dubé, and former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton.

Westhead explains that all players named are, “Expected to surrender before the London Police Service holds a press conference on Monday to update the public on the high-profile case.”

Recently, Formenton turned himself into the London, Ontario police to defend himself.

Originally reported by Rachel Doolittle of the Globe and Mail, Formenton’s lawyers say “Alex will vigorously defend his innocence and asks that people not rush to judgment without hearing all of the evidence.”

Westhead continues by saying, “Lawyers for the four players either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment.”

McLeod’s lawyers from Greenspan Humphrey Weinstein LLP released the following statement that the Devils forward will plead not guilty:

“We are the lawyers representing Mike McLeod,” the statement read. “We can now confirm that more than five and a half years after EM’s initial complaint to police, the London Police Service has charged Mike McLeod with sexual assault. Mr. McLeod denies any criminal wrongdoing. He will be pleading not guilty and will vigorously defend the case. None of the evidence has been presented, let alone tested in court. We ask that the public respect Mr. McLeod’s privacy, and his family’s privacy. Because the matter is now before the court, we will not comment further at this time.”

Foote’s lawyer, Julianna Greenspan of Greenspan Partners LLP, also released a statement claiming his innocence:

“I can confirm that my client, Cal Foote, was charged with sexual assault,” the statement read. “Cal is innocent of the charge and will defend himself against this allegation to clear his name. What is most critical at this time is the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial that everyone in Canada is entitled to. As the matter is before the Court, I ask that Cal’s and his family’s privacy be respected There will be no further comment at this time.

McLeod and Foote each took an indefinite leave of absence on January 24th. The Devils declined to comment further.

The Devils signed McLeod to a one-year, $1.4 million contract in July 2023.

Foote and the Devils agreed to a one-year contract worth $800K in August 2023.

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