Five former Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018 have been found not guilty by an Ontario judge.
The verdict was delivered in a packed courtroom in London, Ontario, where the eight-week trial came to a close.
The case involved former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team.
The players were accused of assaulting a woman, identified as EM, in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada event.
All five men – Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart – were active in the National Hockey League at the time the allegations came to light.
Justice Maria Carroccia reviewed the evidence and testimony at length before ruling that the prosecution did not meet the required burden of proof.
She pointed to inconsistencies in the woman’s account, including details about who bought drinks and other aspects of the evening.
The judge described the woman’s memory as uncertain and said that it did not match the available evidence.
The main issue in the case was whether the woman had consented to each of the sexual acts that took place.
Defence lawyers argued that she had willingly participated and communicated consent. Only Carter Hart testified in court on his own behalf.
Two videos from the incident were shown during the trial. In one, recorded without the woman’s knowledge, she was seen engaging with the men in a calm and smiling manner.
While the video did not legally prove consent, the judge said it raised doubts about the prosecution’s argument that the woman was too afraid to leave the room.
The woman originally reported the incident to police in 2018 and later reached a financial settlement with Hockey Canada in 2022.
The has not confirmed whether it will appeal the verdict but has stated it will review the ruling.
Supporters of EM gathered outside the courthouse, holding signs and calling for justice.