Projected Trial Start Date for 2018 Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Scandal Revealed

On Tuesday, a projected start date for the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal was revealed, which includes two former New Jersey Devils players.

Rick Westhead — who broke the news that revealed the suspects charged with the crime — revealed that the jury trial could begin in April 2025. Further, Westhead explained that, “…the trial could occur as soon as Apr. 21, 2025, if pre-trial motions are sorted out by then.”

The jury trial of five former Canadian World Juniors players charged with sexual assault could begin in April 2025.
It's possible that the trial could occur as soon as Apr. 21, 2025, if pre-trial motions are sorted out by then.
But if a trial doesn't begin in April, it would be…

— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 13, 2024

The players who were summoned to London, Ontario as a result of the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault accusations are former Devils Michael McLeod and Cal Foote, as well as Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, and Alex Formenton.

All are being charged with committing sexual assault, however, McLeod faces an additional charge — party to the offense.

“The one charge he is laid with is in relation to his own actions,” Detective Sergeant Katherine Dann said. “The party to the offense charge is in relation to aiding someone else in the offense.”

Both McLeod and Foote were not extended qualifying offers by the Devils, and thus became free agents. The Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames followed suit, leaving Hart and Dubé to become free agents as well.

However, two of the five accused parties have since signed contracts to play hockey overseas. McLeod recently inked a one-year contract with Barys Hockey Club in the KHL.

Per Barys Hockey Club’s general manager, “We are happy to fill the deficit position with a player of such level. [McLeod] has played quite successfully for the New Jersey Devils over the last four seasons, bringing benefits on both sides of the ice, and he was among the NHL leaders in faceoffs won. Anticipating questions about the proceedings with his participation in Canada, we would like to say that Michael did not admit guilt and will defend his interests in court. In the future, we would like to refrain from commenting. Now, first of all, we consider [McLeod] as the first center, who is capable of becoming not only the leader of Barys, but also one of the most recognizable players in the entire KHL.”

Dubé signed with the Belarus-based KHL club Dinamo Minsk.

The KHL regular season is set to begin in September and run through March 2025.

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL