WARNING: This article references alleged sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.
Five former world junior hockey players on Thursday were found not guilty of sexual assault, prompting a wave of reaction — including from the NHL and the league’s players’ association — and a scathing rebuke from defence lawyers about how Hockey Canada handled the accusations.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia spent over five hours recounting the evidence before handing down the rulings in London, Ont., court. Only select media were allowed in the main courtroom, due to the overwhelming number of people jockeying to get a seat, while others were directed to an overflow room.
After providing her reasons for finding Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote not guilty, Carroccia told the court: “The accused are free to go.”
