Three Key Additional NHL Players Punished For Their Role In The 2018 WJC Investigation
London Police held a brief press conference today to provide an update on their investigation into allegations against members of Hockey Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship roster.
London Police Announce The Charges Against Members Of 2018 WJC Team
Former Hockey Canada players and current NHLers Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers), Michael McLeod (New Jersey Devils), Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames), Cal Foote (New Jersey Devils), and former NHLer Alex Formenton (Ottawa Senators) have all been formally charged although McLeod faces an additional count related to aiding someone else in the offense.
NHL insider Chris Johnston, who attended the conference, described it as jarring and bizarre. London Police Chief Thai Truong offered a prolonged apology to the alleged victim and expressed personal beliefs during the conference. However, he provided few details about the investigation or the new evidence that prompted the charges.
Truong acknowledged the victim's courage and strength and apologized for the delay in charging the players, which took nearly six years from the initial complaint in June 2018.
Lead TSN reporter Rick Westhead's question about potential interference from Hockey Canada in the investigation was met with silence, and the press conference ended abruptly afterward.
Hockey Canada released a statement claiming full cooperation with the investigation and a commitment to supporting the legal process. However, some find their statement lacking sincerity.
Here's the full statement:
Henderson would go on to clarify that Hockey Canada is, "committed to being transparent and accountable to Canadians as we drive these important changes forward and empower victims of maltreatment to feel comfortable to bring forward their complaints in a process that is victim-centred and trauma-informed."
Hockey Canada has suspended all five players charged, preventing them from participating in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. This decision affects other members of the 2018 team, including those who were cleared of involvement in the allegations.
It's seen as odd to penalize players like Cale Makar, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou, who had no involvement in the incident and weren't even present at the time of the alleged assault.
Here is the full press conference from earlier today:
Do you think the punishment for the 3 players is fair?
| POLL | ||
6 FEVRIER | 325 ANSWERS Three Key Additional NHL Players Punished For Their Role In The 2018 WJC Investigation Do you believe this punishment is fair? | ||
| Yes | 109 | 33.5 % |
| No | 216 | 66.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
