Five Former Canadian World Juniors Players Directed to Surrender to Police in Sexual Assault Case

Five players from Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team have been directed to report to police in London, Ont., to face charges of sexual assault, according to sources from The Globe and Mail. These charges are related to an alleged sexual assault in June 2018 involving players from the 2018 team and a woman identified as E.M. 

The players, who have not been named, have been given a set period of time to surrender to the authorities. However, TSN has not been able to verify this information independently.

London Police Service spokeswoman, Sergeant Sandasha Bough, declined to comment on the news report and stated that they will provide updates when there is further information to share regarding the investigation.

These allegations have had a significant impact on the Canadian sports community. In May 2022, it was reported by TSN that a woman, known as E.M., had settled a $3.55 million lawsuit against Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), and eight unidentified former CHL players.

As a result of these allegations, a parliamentary committee took action by organizing several hearings to demand more information from Hockey Canada regarding the case and how they historically handled sexual assault allegations. The revelations about the federation’s response to the allegations led to severed sponsorships and the replacement of Hockey Canada’s board and top executives.

In July 2022, London police reopened their investigation into the case, which was initially closed without charges in February 2019, following mounting public pressure. In a 94-page summary of the case, London Police Services sergeant David Younan stated that five former Team Canada players were believed to have committed criminal offenses, while others are witnesses who may or may not become suspects.