The court heard legal arguments in the sexual assault case of 5 hockey players

LONDON, Ontario (AP) — Lawyers in the sexual assault case of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team began legal arguments Monday that are expected to last several weeks ahead of a trial next year.

Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton They were accused of sexual assault In an incident that allegedly occurred earlier this year in June 2018 in London, Ontario.

McLeod faces an additional charge of being an accessory to the crime of sexual assault

Dube, McLeod and Formenton attended court in person for the first time in London on Monday; All three wore dark suits.

Lawyers for the players said their clients plan to defend themselves against the allegations and all five are expected to plead not guilty.

jury trial The hearing, where Judge Maria Carroccia will be heard, is scheduled to begin on April 22.

Before that date, several weeks had been devoted to legal arguments, but due to the publication ban aimed at protecting the defendants’ right to a fair trial, the issues discussed in these hearings cannot be reported at the moment.

The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred while the players and many of their teammates were in London for a Hockey Canada gala held to celebrate their gold medal win at that year’s world junior tournament.

Police launched a criminal investigation in 2019, which was closed without charges, and subsequently Reopened in 2022.

Investigators in February They were able to file charges after gathering new evidence but declined to provide additional details, citing the lawsuit.

The case has led to increased scrutiny of sports organizations and how they handle allegations of sexual abuse.

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