The allegations of sexual assault made by members of the 2018 Junior Team Canada place the players concerned in the most total embarrassment, some of them having quickly decided to evoke their alibis to get away from it.
• Read also: NHL to look into actions of Junior Team Canada
• Read also: Junior Team Canada at heart of multiple sexual assault allegations
The story that was brought to the fore by the TSN network and The Athletic site last week continues to tarnish the reputation of Hockey Canada, which has reached an amicable agreement with the alleged victim.
The latter had initiated proceedings against the national federation, the Canadian League and eight players in relation to attacks she allegedly suffered on June 19, 2018, on the sidelines of a gala held in London to honor the winning team of the World Hockey Championship. previous junior.
Also, journalist Ken Campbell indicated on his Twitter account on Monday that five players from the champion team had indicated, through their respective agents, their non-involvement in the alleged facts which will also be the subject of an internal investigation by the National League.
Among others, defender Victor Mete was in Cancun when the acts were committed, according to his representative Darren Ferris.
Then, Kurt Overhardt, who defends the interests of fullback Cal Foote, mentioned to the same source that his client was in no way involved in the story, as “the necessary verifications” have shown.
Also, defender Dante Fabbro was sleeping at the time of the actions, according to his agent JP Barry. Finally, Jonah Gadjovich and Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar were also not present, according to people representing them; in Makar’s case, he would have cooperated in an investigation, according to agent Brian Bartlett.
Certainly, many have already started the “witch hunt” to try to identify the perpetrators of wrongdoing, even if the whole thing turns out to be a dangerous game.
People took note of the names of the 2018 Junior Team Canada squad which was led by Dominique Ducharme, who was fired earlier this season by the Montreal Canadiens.
Only one Quebec hockey player played with the team during the tournament, namely Maxime Comtois, of the Anaheim Ducks.
Other athletes known to fans include Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, fullback Kale Clague – who has played a few games with the Habs this year – as well as forwards Dillon Dube, Robert Thomas, Drake Batherson , Alex Formenton and Jordan Kyrou.
If the involvement of duly identified players is proven, the consequences for their careers could be significant.
The hockey world has been rocked by some infamous cases lately, including Brad Aldrich, the former Chicago Blackhawks video manager who assaulted Kyle Beach during the 2009-2010 campaign.
Going back to the 2018 ECJ file, a now 24-year-old woman claimed to have been assaulted by the eight players, named “John Doe 1 to 8” in Ontario Superior Court documents.
One of the individuals would have arrested her in a bar and the lady would have consumed several glasses of alcohol. Subsequently, she would have had sexual relations in a hotel room with the hockey player concerned, except that he would have brought in seven accomplices without the consent of the complainant, who would have been raped several times according to The Athletic.
The victim sought $3.55 million from the defendants in past and future financial damages and for pain, suffering and emotional stress resulting from the assault.
She would have chosen not to speak to the police or Hockey Canada’s independent investigator.
“The plaintiff is satisfied with the outcome of the case and relieved to see that this trying case has been settled, her lawyer Robert Talach recently told TSN by email.
“She has nothing more to add and, following her already expressed will and behavior, requests respect for her privacy and does not wish to be identified.”