Acquittal in abuse scandal: NHL professionals not guilty

This issue has cast a dark cloud over Canadian ice hockey in recent years. Now the abuse scandal has ended with an acquittal. Four NHL stars can breathe a sigh of relief.

July 24, 2025

From: leo

The incidents that the justice system in London, Canada, has been dealing with in recent years occurred during the celebrations following Canada's U20 World Cup triumph in 2018. Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart and Alex Formenton are said to have participated in a gang rape.

After the names became public in February of last year, Hart, Dube, Foote, and McLeod were placed on leave by their respective NHL clubs. Alex Formenton, who was under contract with the Swiss club Ambrì-Piotta at the time, was also released. London Police Commissioner Thai Troung said at the time: "The main defendant (McLeod, ed.) and several teammates met the victim in a bar in downtown London and later invited her to a hotel room, where the sexual assault took place."

Back to the NHL?

An initial investigation by the London police found there were insufficient grounds for charges. However, a second investigation by the London police, which began in 2022, uncovered new evidence after interviewing additional witnesses. At the same time, the NHL itself launched an investigation.

People gathered outside the court to support the prosecutor. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / COLE BURSTON

On Thursday, the acquittal followed. Almost six weeks after the conclusion of the trial, Judge Maria Carroccia declared that the prosecutor's statements were considered "neither credible nor reliable."

What this means for the players who missed one and a half seasons of NHL action due to the suspension is unclear. The criminal trial began at the end of April and was marked by multiple delays, an aborted trial, and the dismissal of a jury.

Schlagwörter: Hockey NHL sexual violence