Four NHL players, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, and Carter Hart, have not been re-signed to their respective teams after being charged with sexual assault in an incident dating back to their days as Canadian world junior champions. Former Ottawa Senator Alex Formenton is also involved in the case. All five players plead not guilty, with a trial date yet to be set. The incident occurred in 2018 after a world junior gala in London, Ontario. The players have requested a jury trial and are set to appear in court in September for pretrial motions.
In February, London police Chief Thai Truong offered an apology to the alleged victim for the six-year delay in laying charges. The case emerged after a civil suit was settled with the woman, whose identity remains protected. Details from court documents revealed that she had consensual sex with one player at a hotel before being assaulted by multiple players.
Support is available for those who have experienced sexual assault through crisis lines and local services, as provided by the Government of Canada website and the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. In case of immediate danger, individuals are encouraged to call 911.
The players, who had been on leave with pay from their respective teams, are now free agents following the signing deadline. The incident has raised awareness about the issue of sexual assault and the importance of seeking support in such situations.
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