A former member of Canada’s junior ice hockey team, Tyler Steenbergen, recently testified in a court case related to an alleged sexual assault in London, Ontario. The incident, which took place in 2018 after a Hockey Canada gala, has led to criminal charges against five players who were part of Canada’s World Junior team that year.
What the Trial Is About
Five former NHL players – Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote – have all pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault. McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an extra charge of sexual assault as a participant in the offence. The woman involved, referred to as E.M. in court documents, has alleged that she was assaulted in a hotel room by multiple players after the official event.
It is important to note that Tyler Steenbergen is not accused of any crime. He appeared virtually in court to give his testimony as a Crown witness (a witness called by the government prosecutors).
What Steenbergen Said in Court
Steenbergen shared that he went to the hotel room (Room 209 at Delta Armouries Hotel) after receiving a text saying there was food in McLeod’s room. When he arrived, he said he heard someone mention there was a “naked girl in the bathroom.”
He named several players who were in the room, including Jake Bean, Sam Steel, Maxime Comtois, Drake Batherson, Brett Howden, and others. Many of these names, including Bean, Steel, Comtois, Batherson, and Howden, are not facing any charges.
According to Steenbergen, after the woman came out of the bathroom, she made comments suggesting she wanted to engage with the players. He said the room became quiet and people were in shock after her remarks.
He also described seeing two of the accused players, Hart and McLeod, interact with the woman. He said she later made a comment about the men not being confident or active enough.
Testimony from the Complainant
Before Steenbergen’s testimony, the woman involved, E.M., finished giving her side of the story. Her testimony lasted nearly nine days and included questioning from both the Crown attorneys and defense lawyers. During the final part, the Crown asked her to clarify a statement she made in 2018 to the police.
In that statement, she described how one of the accused players, Cal Foote, allegedly acted inappropriately by doing the splits over her while she was on the floor. She clarified in court that she felt the action was meant to embarrass her, and said the players seemed to find the situation funny.
What Happens Next
The trial is ongoing, and more witnesses may be called to testify. The court will hear all sides before deciding whether the accused players are guilty or not.
This case has drawn national attention in Canada because it involves high-profile players and serious accusations. As the trial continues, it remains important to respect both the legal process and the people involved. Tyler Steenbergen’s testimony has given the jury more details about what happened that night, but the final decision will come after all evidence is heard in court.
