The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial continues to get attention as five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team face serious charges. These include Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote. They are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018. All of them have pleaded not guilty.
This article explains the events shared during the trial, focusing on the latest testimony from a police detective and updates from the court.
Background of the Case
The incident happened after a Hockey Canada gala in June 2018. A woman, known as E.M. in court documents, said she was sexually assaulted in a hotel room. The players involved say the interaction was consensual.
McLeod also faces an extra charge of sexual assault as part of the group. The case is being heard at Ontario Superior Court in London, Ontario.
Police Detective Shares His Side
On Tuesday, the Crown called a key witness—Detective Steve Newton from the London Police. He has worked in the sexual assault and child abuse unit. Newton gave his testimony through Zoom.
He talked about how he contacted the players and showed a video interview from November 2018 with McLeod and his lawyer. At that time, Newton told McLeod that he was not being arrested, but the interview could be used as evidence in the future.
Details from the Interview
In the video, McLeod said he and E.M. had sex after returning from a bar called Jack’s. He claimed it was consensual. Later, his teammates came into the room. McLeod left to collect food, and when he returned, he said E.M. was performing a sexual act on Carter Hart and appeared to be okay with everything.
He said she even asked the others if they wanted to have sex with her, and Formenton eventually went with her to the bathroom. According to McLeod, E.M. seemed happy and excited.
E.M.’s Version in Court
E.M. has denied saying things like, “Are you going to f— me or play golf?” She also said she did not invite Formenton to the bathroom, stating she went there alone and he followed.
Video Evidence
Two videos taken in the hotel room were shown during the trial. In these, E.M. says, “Yeah, I’m OK,” and “This was all consensual.” McLeod claimed he took the videos to confirm that E.M. was okay with what was happening. He also said she looked sober during both videos.
McLeod Reflects on the Incident
At the end of his 2018 interview with Newton, McLeod said that if he ever faced a similar situation again, he would “shut it down right away.” Newton asked if that was because it could be misunderstood by others. McLeod agreed.
Cross-Examination of Brett Howden
Before Newton’s testimony, Brett Howden—another NHL player—was questioned. He had been on the witness stand for almost six days. He was shown footage from the nightclub, where he was seen dancing closely with E.M.
Defense lawyer Julianna Greenspan said he seemed to be kissing E.M.’s neck. Howden denied this and said the footage was unclear. He said his moments with E.M. were brief and didn’t stand out in his memory due to the fun and drinking that night.
Greenspan accused him of not being honest in past interviews. She even said he lied about a call from Cal Foote asking him not to mention his name. Howden denied lying and stood by his statement that he got the call.
What Happens Next?
The trial will continue on Wednesday with more from Detective Newton and possibly questions from the defense lawyers. This case remains sensitive, and the court is handling the matter carefully.
The Hockey Canada trial is serious and emotional. Both sides have shared different versions of what happened that night in 2018. As the trial continues, more evidence and testimonies will come to light. The court will decide what really happened and whether the charges are proven. Until then, it’s important to let the legal process take its course and respect the privacy of those involved.
