Justice in the Shadows: A Critical Update on the London Hockey Sexual Assault Trial

In a significant development this week, a judge declared a mistrial in the sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey Team: Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote. The trial, which commenced on April 22, 2025, was halted after only two days of proceedings. Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia dismissed the jury without providing a public explanation, citing legal restrictions on reporting during in-camera sessions.

The allegations stem from an incident in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada gala celebrating the team's gold medal victory. The complainant, identified as "E.M." under a publication ban, alleges that after consuming several alcoholic drinks at a bar, she accompanied McLeod to his hotel room, where they engaged in consensual sex. Subsequently, McLeod invited several teammates into the room, leading to further sexual acts that the complainant did not affirmatively consent to, according to the prosecution.

All five accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense. The trial was expected to last approximately eight weeks, with testimony from several witnesses, including a lead police investigator involved since 2022.

Following the mistrial, a new jury has been selected, comprising 14 members, including 9 women and 5 men. Jury selection began on April 25, 2025, with the retrial scheduled to proceed thereafter.

This case has drawn national attention, raising critical questions about consent, accountability, and the handling of sexual assault allegations within sports organizations. As the trial continues, we must ask: What does this trial say about the power dynamics within sports? How many more survivors need to endure silence and intimidation before we take serious action? The culture that allowed this alleged assault to happen isn’t an anomaly—it’s a symptom of a much larger issue within institutions where athletes are treated as untouchable.

The Restitution Project is unwavering in its commitment to justice. We demand more than just a legal outcome—we demand a cultural shift where survivors are believed and supported, and perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of their fame or status. This trial is a chance for Canada to send a message: justice must be served, and accountability should not be optional.

We continue to stand with survivors, advocating for a future where their voices are never silenced, and their trauma never ignored.