Former Canadian Junior Hockey Players Charged with Sexual Assault Join Russian KHL Teams Amid Controversy
Two former Canadian world junior hockey players, Dillon Dubé and Micheal McLeod, have signed contracts with teams in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia, despite facing serious legal charges. Both players are part of a group of five former Team Canada juniors charged in connection with an alleged group sexual assault from 2018.
McLeod, formerly with the New Jersey Devils, has joined Astana Barys in Kazakhstan on a contract extending until May 2025. Dubé, who previously played for the Calgary Flames, has signed with Dinamo Minsk in Belarus.
The five players are accused in relation to a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in a hotel room after a Hockey Canada Foundation Gala and Golf event in London, Ontario, on June 19, 2018. The other three players involved are Cal Foote, Carter Hart, and Alex Formenton, who played in Switzerland last year.
With their NHL contracts having recently expired, the players were left without teams until now. Their legal teams have denied the charges, and the players intend to plead not guilty. They are expected back in court early next month to set a trial date.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the NHL has not taken disciplinary action against the players. Commissioner Gary Bettman has indicated that any potential league action will be postponed until the legal process concludes.
Professor Laura Misener from Western University remarked that the lack of action from NHL teams might stem from ethical concerns and the risk of public backlash if players with such serious allegations were allowed to play in North America. Russian teams, however, appear less concerned with these issues.
Suzie Dunn, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, argued that players facing such serious charges should consider stepping aside from playing until their legal issues are resolved, given their prominent positions in the sport.
London lawyer Nick Cake explained that restrictions on the players’ mobility are generally applied only if there is a significant risk of flight. Since the players are not considered flight risks, they are permitted to travel and play abroad while their cases are pending.
As the KHL season approaches, it remains to be seen whether the other players involved will secure contracts with teams. The KHL season is set to commence in early September.