**Five Hockey Players Acquitted in High-Profile Sexual Assault Case in Canada**

The trial sparked nationwide debates on consent and the treatment of sexual assault claims.

In a controversial verdict that has garnered significant attention across Canada, an Ontario judge acquitted five former junior hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Justice Maria Carroccia delivered the ruling in a packed courtroom, stating that the testimonies given by the accuser, identified as EM, lacked credibility and were inconsistent with the evidence presented during the eight-week trial.

The case centered around an incident alleged to have occurred in a hotel room in London, Ontario, during a Hockey Canada gala. The players involved—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Carter Hart—were all members of the National Hockey League (NHL) when the allegations surfaced. One player was active in Europe at the time.

Justice Carroccia concluded that the prosecution failed to meet the required burden of proof, stating, "the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts." The judge noted discrepancies in EM's account, including unclear memories about specifics like drink purchases that night. Although EM initially willingly engaged in sexual relations with McLeod, she later alleged that subsequent activities were non-consensual, claiming intoxication and fear of the players.

After the verdict, the NHL announced that the accused players remain "ineligible" pending a review of the judge's findings. While the players elected not to speak to reporters, their lawyers expressed relief at the verdict. David Humphrey, representing McLeod, criticized the longstanding public narrative against his client, highlighting significant damage to his reputation.

On the other hand, EM's representative, lawyer Karen Bellehumeur, conveyed that the victim was disheartened by the ruling, asserting that being disbelieved after courageously telling her story was a painful outcome. The courtroom was filled with supporters and critics of the ruling, with many expressing their concerns about the implications of the verdict on future sexual assault cases in Canada.

The trial saw the prosecution emphasize the credibility of EM's testimony and dismiss potential motives to fabricate her story, as she reported the incident shortly after it occurred, prior to filing a lawsuit against Hockey Canada that was settled for C$3.5 million in 2022. Highlighted as key evidence in the defense were videos of EM reportedly giving consent; however, the judge remarked that Canadian law does not consider such footage as definitive proof of consent.

After the ruling, Meaghan Cunningham, the prosecutor, indicated the Crown's intention to review the decision, noting many expressions of support for EM received both locally and internationally. Outside the courthouse, advocates for EM gathered, reinforcing the case's potential impact on sexual assault discourse and legal proceedings in the country for years to come.