Hockey Canada assault trial nears end amid emotional testimonies and graphic courtroom revelations

The long and deeply disturbing trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team is nearing its conclusion as defense lawyers prepare their closing arguments on June 9.

The players, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, and Cal Foote, face serious charges stemming from an alleged group sexual assault in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018.

The 2018 World Juniors sexual assault case heads into final arguments

Over the past seven weeks, the trial has painted a harrowing picture. The complainant, referred to as E.M. due to a publication ban, testified she had 12 alcoholic drinks the night of the incident and described moments of extreme fear and detachment.

"I didn't feel like I was an active participant when I was that numb," she told the court. E.M. also described players discussing sexual acts with a golf club, adding a chilling layer to her testimony.

Cellphone videos and group chat messages became key evidence. A message from McLeod reading, "Who wants to be in a 3 way quick," signed off with "209- mikey," directly linked him to the hotel room where the alleged incident occurred.

Witnesses, including Taylor Raddysh and Boris Katchouk, gave statements of limited recollection, while Tyler Steenbergen revealed that Foote and Dube had contacted him to suppress details of their actions. Steenbergen testified seeing Foote doing the splits over E.M. and Dube slapping her buttocks: "It wasn’t hard, but it didn’t seem soft either."Hart, the only accused to testify, insisted the sexual activity was consensual, claiming E.M.

even held hands with Formenton as they went to the bathroom. He also stated he would not have tolerated anything "disrespectful."

Multiple setbacks plagued the proceedings, including two mistrials due to jury tampering and inappropriate conduct by defense teams. As the case transitions into closing arguments, Justice Maria Carroccia will determine the timeline for her ruling.Also Read: Too sober to be raped? The explosive story behind the dropped 2018 Hockey Canada probeThe case has shaken Hockey Canada and the NHL, prompting federal scrutiny and sponsor withdrawals. With closing submissions imminent, the trial’s outcome could have wide-reaching consequences for the sport's culture and accountability.