London, Ontario – According to a report from The Globe and Mail, five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team have been directed to surrender to London, Ontario police to face charges of sexual assault. The charges stem from an alleged incident involving a woman identified in court documents as E.M. and occurred in June 2018.
While The Globe cited unnamed sources and provided details about a timeframe for surrender, TSN has not been able to independently verify the report. London Police Service declined to comment, stating they will provide updates when available.
These new developments reignite the controversy surrounding the 2018 team. In May 2022, TSN reported on a settled lawsuit for $3.55 million brought by E.M. against Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League, and eight unnamed former CHL players. This revelation triggered parliamentary hearings and public scrutiny towards Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations. The backlash led to sponsor withdrawals and a restructuring of Hockey Canada’s leadership.
In July 2022, following the public outcry, London police reopened the investigation, which had been initially closed without charges in 2019. Court documents revealed by The Globe in December 2022 quoted a police summary of the case stating that five former players were believed to have committed criminal offenses, with others acting as witnesses or potentially facing future charges.
The news of potential charges against members of the 2018 World Juniors team marks a significant development in this ongoing and sensitive case. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to remember that all individuals deserve due process and a fair resolution.
