Editor's Note: The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here.
TORONTO -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will not consider any punishment against five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team expected to be charged in connection with an alleged gang rape until the conclusion of judicial proceedings.
A court document shows Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, and former NHL player Alex Formenton are each charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with an incident that occurred after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont., in June 2018.
The case is set to be before a court on Monday.
Speaking ahead of the NHL all-star skills competition, deputy commissioner Bill Daly added the league will not release the finding of its own investigation while charges are pending.
The court document shows McLeod is also facing an additional charge of sexual assault for "being a party to the offence." It says the charges relate to an alleged sexual assault on a person identified only as E.M. on June 19, 2018.
All five players have been given indefinite leaves of absence from their teams.
