London, Ontario police have instructed five unnamed members of Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Junior Championship team to surrender as a part of the Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Investigation that occurred after a gala event honoring the team’s gold medal victory.
The incident had initially prompted internal and external investigations into Hockey Canada’s handling of the allegations. In 2022, Hockey Canada reached a settlement with the unidentified woman, known as E.M., who accused eight men of assault.
The deadline for the surrender of the individuals was not disclosed, with London Police declining to provide further updates at this time. The case, initially closed in 2019 without charges, was reopened in July 2022 following public outcry.
Also Read: Difference Between Formula 1 and Formula E Gen 3 Cars
The renewed Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Investigation led to London Police stating that reasonable grounds existed to suggest criminal offenses by five members of the 2018 World Junior team.
A court filing in December 2022 revealed details from Sergeant David Younan’s report, indicating that E.M. felt compelled to engage in specific sexual acts and explicitly communicated her discomfort, requesting the men to stop.
Allegedly, the players then took turns slapping her. An older man accompanying the players at a bar was reported to have poured alcohol into E.M.’s mouth, instructing her to “take care” of the players.
Hockey Canada reportedly paid E.M. $3.55 million in an out-of-court settlement, raising questions about the organization’s use of “slush funds” for victim compensation.
The revelations resulted in the resignation of Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith, interim CEO Andrea Skinner, and the entire board of directors. Hockey Canada has since implemented an Action Plan, appointed a new CEO, Katherine Henderson, and selected a new board.
No charges have been laid as of now, and the allegations remain unproven in court.
