Carter Hart and Four Former NHL Teammates Cleared of Sexual Assault Charges in Ontario Court
July 24, 2025 — A high-profile sexual assault case involving NHL players, including Carter Hart and Michael McLeod, came to a dramatic end today as an Ontario judge ruled the prosecution failed to meet the legal burden of proof required for a conviction.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia stated that the complainant’s testimony lacked credibility, and therefore, the Carter Hart sexual assault case, along with those of Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, could not proceed to conviction.
“The onus of proof has not been met,” the judge said, while still delivering the full explanation behind the verdict.
Background: Canada World Juniors 2018 Incident
The case stems from an alleged incident that occurred in June 2018, after a gala event in London, Ontario, celebrating the Canadian team’s victory in the World Junior Hockey Championship. The five men — all aged between 25 and 27 — were accused of being involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter at the Delta Hotel London Armouries.
Each of the NHL players accused of sexual assault had pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the events were consensual. One player, Michael McLeod, also faced an unusual separate charge of “being a party to the offense” — a legal classification typically reserved for cases like murder.
What Happened in Court
During the trial, the complainant testified that she was intoxicated, vulnerable, and afraid when multiple men entered her hotel room. She claimed she felt her only “safe” choice was to comply with what the men wanted. The prosecution argued the players never took steps to ensure informed and voluntary consent.
“I made the choice to dance and drink. I did not choose what happened later at the hotel,” she testified.
The defense, however, challenged the credibility of the witness, and due to inconsistencies in her account, Justice Carroccia ruled that the legal threshold for sexual assault could not be satisfied.
Years of Controversy and National Attention
This case drew significant public attention in Canada and beyond, largely because of its connection to Hockey Canada, the NHL, and national investigations. The trial followed years of:
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A settled lawsuit
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Parliamentary scrutiny
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Renewed police and Hockey Canada inquiries
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An independent NHL investigation
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A mistrial that previously dismissed the jury
The NHL sexual assault case update today brings to a close one of the sport’s most scrutinized legal battles in recent memory.
Public Reaction and What’s Next
Though the ruling marks the end of the criminal trial, it is yet unclear whether civil action or league-level consequences will follow. Carter Hart, who last played for the Philadelphia Flyers, and his co-defendants may now look to resume their professional careers, though reputational damage may linger.
Conclusion:
While the Ontario court ruling clears these former NHL stars of criminal sexual assault charges, the case has reignited important conversations around consent, athlete conduct, and legal justice in professional sports.
The verdict also raises questions about how sports institutions handle allegations and the emotional toll legal processes take on all parties involved.
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