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.
Must read on PuckReporter
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.
Lead TSN reporter Rick Westhead got no response when he asked, "Did anyone from Hockey Canada interfere with this investigation or the original investigation?" In fact, not only did Westhead not get a response, but London Police shut the press conference down immediately following Westhead's very pointed question.
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:
«Hockey Canada recognizes that in the past we have been too slow to act and that in order to deliver the meaningful change that Canadians expect of us, we must work diligently and urgently to ensure that we are putting in place the necessary measures to regain their trust, and provide all participants with a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment on and off the ice,» said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada in a prepared 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?
Previously on PuckReporter
| 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 |
Latest 10 stories
