Five NHL Players Step Away from Teams After Being Asked to Surrender to Police Over Sexual Assault Charges

Derik Hamilton/AP

Five different NHL players have taken leave from their respective teams to surrender to police to face sexual assault charges in Canada.

The players — Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils; Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers; Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames; and former NHL player Alex Formenton – played together on Canada’s 2018 world junior team. Their teams separately announced the moves over the last few days, citing “personal” reasons and “mental health” breaks.

According to the report from the Associated Press, police in London, Ontario opened an investigation in 2022 after learning Hockey Canada had settled a sexual assault lawsuit with a woman. In the suit, the woman claimed she was assaulted by eight members of the team at a gala.

Shortly after, the NHL opened its own investigation into the matter.

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere acknowledged the reports during a Wednesday press conference.

“We are aware of this morning’s press reports on a very serious matter,” Briere said. “We will respond appropriately when the outcomes of the investigations are made public.

“The NHL has been very clear that teams should refer all investigation-related questions to them. In the meantime, members of the organization, including Flyers players, will not be commenting any further. That’s all we can say at the moment, unfortunately.”

AP reached out to the agents representing the players and did not receive any responses. The NHL Players’ Association also declined to comment.