CHL Says Teams Might Have To Disclose Names of Players Accused in 2018 Sexual Assault 

Summary

• CHL franchises to disclose player names in sexual assault lawsuit
• CHL sends memo instructing franchises how to respond if and when this happens
• 3 additional criminal investigations launched into sexual assault claims

Canadian Hockey League (CHL) franchises might be required to disclose the names of the players who are alleged to have committed sexual assault in 2018. A woman filed the lawsuit against CHL, Hockey Canada, and eight anonymous players in April 2022. The woman had alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the players in a hotel room, following a Hockey Canada Foundation gala in London, Ontario.

CHL Confirms Sending Memo to Leagues

Owners and governors of the Ottawa Hockey League (OHL), World Hockey League (WHL and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) received an email on 26 August notifying them about the language to use while confronting the allegations. The CHL confirmed that all three leagues were sent the memo. The league claimed it did not know when the players’ names would be revealed.

In its statement, the CHL said it ‘shares the public outcry’ regarding the details of the case. The league further affirmed its cooperation with the police and law firm Henein Hutchison. The latter is leading the third-party investigation launched by Hockey Canada. The CHL denounced the players’ right to exemption from the consequences of their actions. The league also expected that the Canadian criminal justice system would deal effectively with any established instance of criminal conduct on the part of the accused.

The details about the incident surfaced in May 2022, after which many players denied their involvement. The lawsuit was settled by Hockey Canada in May 2022. After widespread public outrage and parliamentary hearings, Hockey Canada and the London police reopened their respective investigations. The National Hockey League also launched its independent inquiry into the matter.

Heinen Hutchison’s lead investigator Danielle Robitaille reported to the parliament in July that she was interviewing every player after receiving a statement from the woman. The woman was an active participant in all the relaunched criminal investigations. After reopening the case, Hockey Canada made players’ participation in the investigation mandatory, failing which would result in a ban from future events and the public disclosure of their identities.

Three Additional Criminal Investigations Launched

Besides the criminal investigation by London police, three other police investigations are being conducted into sexual assault allegations against junior hockey players.

Currently, the Halifax police are investigating a group sexual assault case dating back to 2003, involving many team members at the time. The Quebec City police have also reopened a case which was initially closed without any charges in 2015 against 4 players who were part of the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques.