In a stunning turn of events, the Crown has confirmed it will not challenge the acquittals of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey Team. This decision follows the sensational trial that captivated the nation earlier this year in London, Ontario.

Lawyer Daniel Brown, representing player Alex Formenton, revealed to TSN that he received notification about the Crown's decision from an official at the Ontario Attorney General's office.

The Crown had a 30-day window to file an appeal after Justice Maria Carroccia delivered her verdict on July 24. But now, the wait is over, and controversy continues to swirl.

The Accusations and the Alleged Incident

In June 2018, following a high-profile Hockey Canada gala, Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote faced charges of sexual assault linked to an incident in a hotel. Notably, McLeod was presented with an extra charge connected to being a party to the offense.

A woman, identified only as E.M. under a publication ban, accused the players of a heinous act after she willingly went to McLeod's hotel room post-dancing and drinking.

Verdict Sparks Outrage

Justice Carroccia's verdict, dismissing E.M.'s claims as "not credible or reliable," sent shockwaves throughout the community. E.M. dedicated nine grueling days to testimony, facing a relentless cross-examination for seven of those.

Support for E.M.

Karen Bellehumeur, E.M.’s lawyer, expressed deep concern for her client's ordeal. She highlighted E.M.'s bravery in standing up against scrutiny, emphasizing that her testimony aimed to spotlight sexual violence and advocate for accountability.

Legal and League Repercussions

Meanwhile, the players are also seeking to appeal their suspensions imposed by Hockey Canada, which were put on pause during the criminal proceedings. The NHL has stated that regardless of the not-guilty verdict, the conduct of the players remains "unacceptable," effectively barring them from returning to the league.

It's noteworthy that four of these players—Dube, Foote, Hart, and McLeod—were active in the NHL until this season, while Formenton has been on the sidelines since 2022.

The Fallout Continues

With the Crown choosing not to appeal, questions loom about the implications for hockey culture and how such serious accusations are handled in elite sports. As discussions heat up, many wonder: what’s next for these players and for the future of player accountability?