LONDON, Ontario – Canadian police have issued an apology for the delayed filing of charges against five ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Last week, authorities in London, Ontario pressed charges against four National Hockey League (NHL) players and one former player. The decision to bring charges came after a review of the case unearthed new evidence that was not available during the initial investigation. All five players have denied any wrongdoing and intend to plead not guilty.
The accused individuals were members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team when the alleged assault occurred. Police Chief Thai Troung expressed his heartfelt apologies to the victim and her family for the prolonged duration it took to reach this point. Speaking at a press conference, Chief Troung stated, “I truly am not happy about this.”
It was in 2019 that the police initially closed their investigation into the alleged assault without laying any charges. However, the case was reopened three years later when it came under public scrutiny in Canada. Sgt Katherine Dann, who led the case review, highlighted additional steps that could have been taken in advancing the investigation.
The lawyers representing the players made their first appearance in court on behalf of their clients, with none of the players present. Prosecutors have also made a request for a publication ban on the identity of the victim and two witnesses in the case. Each of the five players is facing one count of sexual assault, while player Mike McLeod has an additional charge of being party to the offense.
The NHL launched its own investigation, which has since concluded, but Commissioner Gary Bettman has confirmed that the findings will not be made public as the case is now before the courts. Speaking during the NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto, Bettman stated that the players involved will no longer be with their respective teams as the trial commences. He described the allegations as “abhorrent” and defended the sport, emphasizing that such behavior is not representative of what takes place in the game.
The next court appearance for the players has been scheduled for April 30. If convicted of sexual assault, they could face a maximum of 10 years in prison as per Canadian law.