As Hockey Canada re-opens alleged sex assault probe, here’s what 2018 players say so far – National
As Hockey Canada stays beneath intense scrutiny over its dealing with of a lawsuit alleging a sexual assault involving gamers from the 2018 nationwide junior staff, the group is reopening its investigation and among the gamers have been talking out.
Dealing with a flight of sponsorship {dollars} over current weeks, the group introduced in an open letter to Canadians on Thursday morning that it’s reopening the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and it is going to be necessary for all gamers on that staff to take part.
Senior leaders told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage final month that gamers had been “inspired” however not required to cooperate with the preliminary probe into the matter.
“We all know we have now not finished sufficient to deal with the actions of some members of the 2018 nationwide junior staff or to finish the tradition of poisonous behaviour inside our sport,” Hockey Canada wrote in its letter Thursday. “For that we unreservedly apologize.
“We all know we have to do extra to deal with the behaviours, on and off the ice, that battle with what Canadians need hockey to be, and which undermine the various good issues that the sport brings to our nation.”
Hockey Canada officers have mentioned neither the unique and later deserted probe, nor inquiries by police in London, Ont., had been in a position to determine the alleged perpetrators. Robert Talach, lawyer for the complainant, instructed International Information on Thursday his shopper is collaborating within the reopened probe.
One participant from the 2018 World Juniors staff, Victor Mete, recently took to Twitter to name the allegations “appalling,” including he was not concerned. Because the eight alleged perpetrators haven’t been recognized, he wrote, “the incident has left an unlucky cloud over each participant who was on the Canadian staff.”
The allegations within the lawsuit haven’t been examined in court docket. Neither have felony expenses been laid.
Hockey Canada officers mentioned in committee testimony on June 20 that police in London, Ont., had been notified the day after Hockey Canada discovered of the allegation in June 2018 however that the investigators didn’t decide the identities of the accused.
The London police investigation was separate from the exterior probe performed for Hockey Canada by Henein Hutchison. Neither of these efforts decided the identities of the alleged perpetrators. When contacted by International Information on Thursday, London police mentioned they might not remark.
“The London Police Service is unable to touch upon any alleged felony investigation,” a spokesperson for the power mentioned.
“The London Police Service is dedicated to completely investigating all complaints of sexual assault. Together with our group companions, we are going to absolutely help those that come ahead and we encourage anybody who has skilled sexual violence to report the incident to police in order that the matter may be investigated.”
Hockey Canada’s Scott Smith mentioned in June that the group settled the lawsuit “on behalf of all of the defendants.” He additionally mentioned that after studying of the assertion of declare, Hockey Canada “communicated with the gamers’ representatives.”
“You communicated straight with the counsel or consultant of the eight completely different gamers,” one Liberal MP requested for clarification through the committee assembly.
“It was with their consultant,” Smith mentioned.
Hockey Canada’s Tom Renney later added: “We had no thought of figuring out the place to focus our vitality in any respect, and it will have been incorrect nonetheless, so we contacted each participant and all of the groups.”
TSN first reported on the allegations in May, citing a lawsuit filed by the girl who made the allegation earlier this 12 months. In it, she alleged eight gamers from the Canadian Hockey League and the World Junior championship staff purchased her alcoholic drinks and that she went again to a close-by lodge with one of many gamers.
TSN reported that after allegedly participating in sexual acts with the girl, a participant cited solely as John Doe 1 “invited the rest of the John Doe defendants into the room with out the information or consent of the Plaintiff,” the place they allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
Members of Parliament raised critical considerations in regards to the allegations throughout that committee, citing their multimillion-dollar contracts with Nationwide Hockey League groups, and the possibility they might coach younger Canadians in the future.
“It’s not unreasonable now to think about that lots of the eight gamers topic to those gang rape allegations take pleasure in profitable skilled careers,” mentioned Sports activities Minister Pascale St-Onge to the committee.
Conservative MP Kevin Waugh posed a query to the Hockey Canada officers: “Does it concern any of you in entrance of me right now that these alleged so-called rapists have ongoing careers in novice {and professional} hockey right now, and a few day could possibly be teaching?”
Hockey Canada’s roster for the 2018 World Junior championship included 20 gamers and two goaltenders. Smith instructed the committee he believed 19 of these had been on the Hockey Canada occasion previous the alleged sexual assault.
International Information reached out to the brokers for all gamers on the 2018 Hockey Canada roster asking whether or not every participant had participated within the Henein Hutchison probe, and whether or not they had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault.
Concerning questions on six gamers on the 2018 roster put to sports activities company Wasserman Hockey, International Information obtained a press release from Scott Fenton, a felony defence lawyer based mostly in Toronto.
“We act for one of many gamers referenced in your e-mail inquiry and have consulted with counsel for the opposite gamers you reference. All of International Information’ questions shall be requested and answered through the pending NHL investigation. That mentioned, not one of the gamers you reference engaged in any wrongdoing, the entire gamers cooperated absolutely with the impartial London Police Service investigation in 2018, and all gamers had been then cleared of any wrongdoing,” Fenton wrote.
“Naming any of those gamers now, or making an attempt to affiliate any of them in any method with alleged felony wrongdoing, or alleging that they weren’t cooperative with the London Police or prepared to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will represent materially false statements constituting defamation inflicting critical monetary and reputational hurt.”
Under are the gamers on the roster, which is publicly available. For gamers whose brokers didn’t reply, International Information additionally tried to get solutions from their groups and in addition reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation for remark.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Batherson lists New Minas, N.S., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster.
He performed ahead for Group Canada on the 2018 World Junior championship.
Batherson performs proper wing and was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2017 within the fourth spherical.
He’s 24-years-old.
In September 2021, Sportsnet reported Batherson re-signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators for the subsequent six years, value $29.85 million.
International Information contacted Quartexx Administration a number of occasions however has not but obtained a response. International Information additionally reached out to the Ottawa Senators however has not but obtained a response, together with the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation, however didn’t obtain a response.
Bean was born in Calgary, Alta., and performed defence for Group Canada within the 2018 World Junior championship, in line with the Hockey Canada 2018 roster.
He’s 24-years-old.
He was drafted in 2016 by the Carolina Hurricanes and in 2021, signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
That three-year contract is value $7-million, according to the NHL website.
Bean is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Clague was born in Regina, Sask., however lists Lloydminster, Alta., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster. He performed defence for Group Canada through the 2018 World Juniors championship.
In 2016, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings within the second spherical. Clague then went to the Montreal Canadiens in December 2021, and signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres this week.
He’s 24.
Clague is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Born and raised in Longueuil, Que., Comtois performed ahead within the 2018 World Juniors, in line with the staff roster.
He was drafted in 2017 by the Anaheim Geese within the second spherical.
Comtois was named captain of the Group Canada World Juniors staff in 2019 and that very same 12 months, announced a commitment in partnership with Telus to help their anti-bullying marketing campaign.
In 2021, Comtois signed a two-year contract with the Anaheim Geese. Whereas monetary particulars don’t seem to have been introduced on the time, The Athletic reported the contract was worth $4.1 million.
He’s 23.
International Information contacted the Roy Sports activities Group and Allain Roy a number of occasions however has not but obtained a response. International Information additionally tried to contact the Anaheim Geese. No response from the staff has but been obtained. International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation, however didn’t obtain a response.
Born in Golden, B.C., Dubé listed Cochrane, Alta., as his hometown within the Hockey Canada roster for the 2018 World Junior championship staff.
He performed ahead and was captain of the team that year.
Dubé was drafted in 2016 by the Calgary Flames within the second spherical.
Final summer season, Sportsnet reported that the Flames had signed him to a three-year, $6.9-million contract.
He’s 24.
International Information contacted David Cowan with O2K Sports activities Administration.
Cowan mentioned in a press release: “All of International Information’ questions shall be requested and answered through the pending NHL investigation. Dillon didn’t interact in any wrongdoing, and he cooperated absolutely with the impartial London Police Service investigation in 2018, by way of which all gamers had been then cleared of any wrongdoing.”
The assertion continued: “Naming Dillon or making an attempt to affiliate him in any method with alleged felony wrongdoing, or alleging that he was not cooperative with the London Police or was unwilling to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will represent materially false statements constituting defamation inflicting critical monetary and reputational hurt.”
Fabbro was born in Coquitlam, B.C., and performed defence on the 2018 World Juniors, in line with the roster.
He was drafted in 2016 within the first spherical by the Nashville Predators.
Final summer season, the staff signed Fabbro to a two-year contract worth $4.8 million.
He’s 24.
Fabbro’s agent J.P Barry instructed International Information his shopper “was asleep in his personal room in a special a part of the lodge that night and was not concerned in with the alleged incident that was investigated by Henein Hutchison” and that Fabbro “absolutely cooperated” with that probe.
Foote was born in Denver, Colorado, however listed his hometown as Kelowna, B.C., on the 2018 World Juniors championship roster.
He was drafted within the first spherical by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017.
Final summer season, the staff signed him to a two-year contract with common annual worth of $850,000.
He’s 23.
Foote’s agent Kurt Overhardt instructed International Information his shopper was not concerned within the alleged sexual assault.
Born in Barrie, Ont., Formenton performed ahead with the 2018 World Juniors championship staff, in line with the roster.
He was drafted in 2017 by the Ottawa Senators within the second spherical.
The Senators signed him for a three-year contract in 2017.
CBC Sports activities has pegged his annual pay at $750,000.
He’s 22.
International Information contacted Newport Sports activities Administration a number of occasions. No response has but been obtained. International Information additionally reached out to the Ottawa Senators however has not but obtained a response.
International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
Gadjovich was born in Whitby, Ont, in line with the 2018 World Juniors roster.
He performed ahead for the 2018 World Juniors staff, the place he was named player of the game.
He was drafted within the second spherical by the Vancouver Canucks in 2017 and signed a three-year contract with the staff, however was claimed on waivers by the San Jose Sharks final 12 months.
The worth of his unique contract with the Canucks just isn’t clear.
Gadjovich is 23.
His agent Jason Harshaw mentioned in a press release: “The occasions described within the story are critical and reprehensible. Jonah was not concerned within the incident and doesn’t have any touch upon authorized proceedings and the settlement involving different events.”
Born in Sherwood Park, Alta., Hart was one in all two goaltenders for the 2018 World Juniors staff.
He was signed within the second spherical of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, and in August 2021 signed a brand new three-year contract with the staff valued at $12 million.
He’s 23.
Hart is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Born in Calgary, Alta., Howden listed Oakbank, Man., as his hometown on his World Junior roster itemizing.
He performed ahead on the 2018 championship staff, and was drafted in 2016 to the Tampa Bay Lightning within the first spherical. After that, he was traded to the New York Rangers then to the Vegas Golden Knights.
On July 13, Howden signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Howden is 24.
International Information contacted agent J.P. Barry a number of occasions. No response has but been obtained. International Information additionally reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights. No response has but been obtained.
International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
Katchouk was born in Vancouver, B.C., however lists Waterloo, Ont., as his hometown on the 2018 World Junior championship staff roster.
He performed ahead for the staff through the 2018 World Juniors.
Katchouk was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning within the 2016 first spherical, and now performs for the Chicago Blackhawks. In July 2021, he signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks value $758,333 per 12 months, according to the NHL announcement.
He’s 24.
Mike Liut at Octagon Hockey mentioned: “Boris has absolutely cooperated with the Hockey Canada investigation and can proceed to supply that cooperation in any additional investigation. Past this assertion we’re not commenting additional.”
Kyrou is from Toronto, Ont., and performed ahead on the 2018 World Juniors staff, in line with the roster.
He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues within the second spherical of the 2016 draft after enjoying with Sarnia within the Ontario Hockey League. In keeping with the NHL, the Blues returned him to Sarnia in 2017-2018.
He was introduced again up later that 12 months and in 2021, signed a two-year contract with the staff value $5.6 million.
He’s 24.
Kyrou is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Makar is from Calgary, Alta., and performed defence with the 2018 World Junior staff, in line with the roster.
He was drafted to the Colorado Avalanche in 2017 within the first spherical.
Final summer season, he signed a six-year contract with that staff value $54 million, according to ESPN.
He’s 23.
Makar’s agent Brian Bartlett mentioned: “Each Cale and I’ve verified a variety of occasions – and confirm once more, right here – that he was not concerned in any method within the alleged conduct from 2018. Cale absolutely participated within the exterior investigation. He met with the attorneys in particular person for an interview and answered all their questions.”
Born in Mississauga, Ont., McLeod performed ahead with the 2018 World Juniors staff, in line with the roster.
He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils within the first spherical in 2016. McLeod signed a two-year contract worth $1,950,000. with the Devils final 12 months.
He’s 24.
International Information contacted Prime Shelf Sports activities Administration and agent Joseph Resnick a number of occasions. No response has but been obtained. International Information additionally reached out to the New Jersey Devils. No response has but been obtained.
International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
Born in Woodbridge, Ont., Mete performed defence with the 2018 World Juniors staff.
He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens within the fourth spherical in 2016, then went to the Ottawa Senators.
He now performs with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Final 12 months, he signed a one-year contract with the staff worth $1.2 million.
He’s 24.
Mete issued a statement publicly on Twitter on June 30, saying he was in another country and never current on the occasion the place the assault allegedly happened. He mentioned within the assertion that he would cooperate with any investigation efforts.
Born in North Bay, Ont., Level was one in all two goaltenders with the 2018 World Juniors staff.
He was drafted within the fifth spherical by the Dallas Stars in 2016.
Final summer season, he signed a one-year deal with the Stars for which monetary particulars aren’t disclosed. He’s at present a free agent.
He’s 24.
Level is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Raddysh is from Caledon, Ont., and performed ahead with the 2018 World Juniors staff, in line with the roster.
He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning within the second spherical of the 2016 draft. He signed a three-year contract value $2.3 million final summer season with the deal, however moved to play for the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year.
He’s 24.
Raddysh is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Concerning questions to 3 brokers about six gamers at Wasserman Hockey, International Information was contacted by Fenton.
His assertion on behalf of the six gamers denying any of the gamers had been concerned within the alleged sexual assault is above.
Born in Ardrossan, Alta., Metal named Sherwood Park, Alta., as his hometown on his 2018 World Juniors staff roster itemizing.
He was drafted within the first spherical of the 2016 draft by the Anaheim Geese.
He re-signed with the staff on a one-year contract last year however is at present a free agent.
Monetary particulars weren’t introduced.
Metal is 24.
International Information made a number of makes an attempt to contact Gerry Johannson and The Sports activities Company. The e-mail listed on the company’s web site returned to sender, whereas the quantity on each the web site and the NHL Participant’s Affiliation web site performed a recorded message saying it didn’t take voicemail.
No cellphone quantity or direct e-mail contact is listed on both website.
International Information additionally reached out to the Anaheim Geese. No response from the staff has but been obtained. International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
Born in Sylvan Lake, Alta., Steenbergen performed ahead on the 2018 World Juniors staff, in line with the roster.
He scored the game-winning aim within the championship ultimate.
He was drafted within the fifth spherical in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes.
Final summer season, he was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in a commerce.
He’s 24.
Rick Valette with Octagon Hockey mentioned he couldn’t remark, citing the continuing investigation.
Thomas is from Aurora, Ont., and performed ahead with the 2018 World Juniors staff.
He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2017 within the first spherical.
He was then returned to the Ontario Hockey League to play with the London Knights and the Hamilton Bulldogs earlier than enjoying his first NHL sport in 2018.
In September 2021, he signed a two-year contract with the Blues for $5.6 million.
He’s 22.
International Information contacted Newport Sports activities Administration a number of occasions. No response had but been obtained. The St. Louis Blues don’t record media relations contacts on their web site. International Information contacted their staff’s group relations division on Thursday with the questions, and requested for help figuring out a media relations official.
No response has but been obtained.
International Information has additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
Born in St. Catharine’s, Ont., Timmins listed close by Thorold as his hometown on the roster of the 2018 World Juniors staff.
He was drafted in 2017 by the Colorado Avalanche within the second spherical, however at present performs for the Arizona Coyotes.
Final summer season, he signed a two-year contract with the Coyotes.
Sportsnet reported the deal is value $850,000 per 12 months.
He’s 23.
International Information contacted Quartexx Administration and agent Paul Capizzano a number of occasions, together with reaching out to the Arizona Coyotes. No response has but been obtained.
International Information additionally reached out to the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation however didn’t obtain a response.
