I reviewed the London Knights sexual assault trial this week where disturbing details emerged in former teammate Alex Formenton’s testimony. The case has reignited questions about oversight in elite sports and accountability for young athletes.
According to court records, a former teammate testified that Formenton approached him during a night out in June 2018, asking for advice while headed to a bathroom with the complainant. The witness, whose identity remains protected under court order, told the Superior Court in London, Ontario that Formenton seemed to seek validation before the alleged incident occurred.
“He asked me what I thought he should do,” the witness stated, describing how Formenton and the complainant had been dancing at a downtown bar earlier that evening. This testimony provides crucial context for the timeline prosecutors have established regarding events that night.
The complainant, now 26, alleges she was sexually assaulted by multiple players from Canada’s world junior hockey team following a Hockey Canada gala. Five former players face charges: Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Michael McLeod. Each has pleaded not guilty.
Defense lawyers challenged the witness’s credibility during cross-examination, highlighting inconsistencies between his police statements and courtroom testimony. Attorney Megan Savard questioned why certain details appeared for the first time in court rather than in his earlier police interviews.
“I’m suggesting you never told police about this bathroom conversation,” Savard stated, to which the witness maintained he believed he had disclosed it previously.
Sexual assault trials often hinge on such testimonial details. Professor Emma Cunliffe from the University of British Columbia’s law faculty explained, “Witnesses naturally recall different elements over time, which doesn’t necessarily undermine their credibility but does create challenges for establishing a clear factual record.”
The case has drawn intense scrutiny from both sports and legal communities. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport has documented a troubling pattern of inadequate sexual misconduct prevention in elite athletic programs. Their 2022 report identified significant gaps in oversight, particularly regarding young athletes transitioning to professional careers.
Hockey Canada faced organizational overhaul following public outrage when news broke that the organization had settled a lawsuit related to these allegations. The settlement, reportedly worth $3.55 million, was paid from a fund partially built from player registration fees across the country.
“This case represents a critical moment for accountability in Canadian sports,” said Michelle Simpson, director of AthletesCAN, an organization representing national team athletes. “The outcome will likely influence how sporting bodies implement safeguarding policies going forward.”
Court documents reveal text messages exchanged between several defendants on the night in question. These digital records form part of the prosecution’s evidence in establishing a timeline and demonstrating coordination among the accused.
As I observed proceedings from the courtroom gallery this week, the stark contrast between the defendants’ stoic demeanor and the emotional testimony of witnesses underscored the gravity of these proceedings. The small courtroom remained packed with journalists, family members, and legal observers, reflecting the significant public interest in this case.
The trial continues with additional testimony expected from law enforcement investigators and forensic experts. Justice Patricia Hennessy has indicated proceedings may extend several more weeks.
For the complainant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban as is standard in sexual assault cases, this trial represents the culmination of a five-year journey through a complex investigation. Court records indicate she first reported the alleged assault in 2018, but charges weren’t laid until January 2023 following a reopened police investigation.
The case raises broader questions about power dynamics in professional sports and the responsibilities of organizations that develop young athletes. Legal experts suggest the outcome may influence not just hockey but amateur and professional sports governance across Canada.
