NHL players face sexual assault charges in shocking 2018 incident

• Allegations: group sexual assault by four current and one former NHL players.

• Alleged incident occurred in June 2018 in London, Ontario, involving Hockey Canada.

• Alleged victim identified as EM, her name not disclosed in court documents.

New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod watches during a break in an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in Philadelphia. Five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team have taken a leave of

AP

Four current NHL players and one former player are facing sexual assault charges in Canada over an alleged incident that occurred in June 2018. The allegations have shocked the entire country and have raised questions about how the situation was handled by Hockey Canada at the time.

The charges stem from an alleged group sexual assault, with the identity of the victim known in court documents as EM. Two individuals involved in this incident, one former NHL player and one current NHL player, have turned themselves into police in London, Ontario, where the alleged incident took place.

Michael McLeod, a current NHL player with the New Jersey Devils, has been charged with sexual assault. His lawyer has confirmed the charges and stated that Mr. McLeod denies any criminal wrongdoing. They further mentioned that none of the evidence presented has been tested in court and stated that Mr. McLeod intends to plead not guilty and vigorously defend himself.

Another player involved, Alex Fermentin, who had been playing in a European league after his time with the Ottawa team, has also surrendered to police in London, Ontario. His lawyer has confirmed the sexual assault charges and affirmed Fermentin's intention to vigorously defend his innocence. They, too, appealed to the public not to rush to judgment.

The revelation that Hockey Canada was aware of the incident during the time when the players were part of the World Junior Team has caused concern. There have been no specific allegations or names mentioned regarding Hockey Canada's inaction in investigating the incident. These crucial details will likely be revealed in court as the case progresses.

The allegations against these five individuals are serious and warrant a thorough and fair investigation. It is important to remember that everyone involved is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. The case will undoubtedly shed light on the actions taken by Hockey Canada and the subsequent chain of events.

As this high-profile case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the larger issue of sexual assault within the sports industry and the importance of addressing these allegations appropriately. The outcome of this case will not only affect the individuals involved but also shape discussions and actions surrounding sexual assault within the NHL and other professional sports organizations.

It is expected that further details will emerge as this case progresses through the court system, allowing for a better understanding of the events that transpired in 2018 and the actions, or lack thereof, taken by relevant authorities.