A serious court case is underway involving five former players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey team. They are facing sexual assault charges related to an incident that reportedly took place in a hotel room in London, Ontario, after a Hockey Canada gala in June 2018.
Who Is Involved in the Case?
The accused are Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote. All five men have pleaded not guilty. McLeod also faces an extra charge related to the same case.
The complainant, referred to as E.M. due to a court order protecting her identity, says she was sexually assaulted on June 18–19, 2018, in a hotel room. Her testimony has been presented through a video feed from a separate room in the courthouse.
What Happened During the Cross-Examination?
Alex Formenton’s lawyer, Daniel Brown, began questioning E.M. in court. He focused on her behaviour when drinking alcohol. Brown asked whether E.M. changes from being quiet and shy to more outgoing when she drinks.
E.M. admitted that alcohol helps her “break out of her shell,” but she didn’t like Brown’s suggestion that she becomes a different person — “fun E.M.” — when intoxicated. Brown continued pressing her on this point, saying “fun E.M.” made choices without thinking about the consequences, such as going to a hotel room with a man she hardly knew, despite having a boyfriend at the time.
E.M.’s Response to These Claims
E.M. said it was her choice to drink that night, but she also believes that shouldn’t have led to what happened to her. She added, “I should be allowed to do that and not worry about having something bad happen.”
When asked whether it’s easier to deny her choices to avoid feeling guilt or shame, E.M. replied she wasn’t sure if she agreed with that. She admitted feeling blame but said others should also be held accountable.
What Else Was Discussed?
Another lawyer, Megan Savard, who represents Carter Hart, questioned E.M. about statements she made during the trial. Savard pointed out that E.M. mentioned someone in the hotel room said, “Don’t let her leave – she’s crying,” but that this wasn’t mentioned in her earlier police interviews.
E.M. stood by her testimony, saying that she might not have found the right words earlier but insists the men didn’t want her to leave and physically guided her back to the bed.
The court is looking closely at these new statements and comparing them with what was said earlier to understand if there are any differences in how the events were described.
What’s Next in the Trial?
Cross-examinations are expected to continue, with more questions coming from the lawyers of the accused players. The case is drawing attention not only because of the people involved but also because it raises serious questions about consent, accountability, and behaviour under the influence of alcohol.
This ongoing Hockey Canada sexual assault trial brings up important issues about how people’s actions are judged when alcohol is involved. The cross-examinations aim to uncover details about what happened and whether the complainant’s behaviour was misunderstood or manipulated. While the court continues to examine both past and current statements, the case remains a sensitive and complex one, with strong emotional and legal implications for everyone involved.
