Reports: Former NHLer Alex Formenton Turned Himself In to London Police
Alex Formenton turned himself in to police in London, Ont., Sunday in relation to an alleged sexual assault investigation involving members of Canada's 2018 world juniors team, according to The Globe and Mail and the Associated Press.
Alex Formenton has turned himself in to police in London, Ont., in connection with a 2018 incident where five members of that year's Canadian world juniors team allegedly sexually assaulted a woman, according to The Globe and Mail and The Associated Press and Sportsnet.
"The London Police have charged several players, including Alex Formenton, in connection with an accusation made in 2018," Formenton's legal team said in a statement to The Globe and Mail. "Alex will vigorously defend his innocence and ask that people not rush to judgment without hearing all of the evidence."
Formenton was seen walking into London police headquarters on Sunday morning with high-profile criminal defense lawyers Daniel Brown and Lindsay Board.
On Wednesday, Jan. 24, The Globe and Mail reported that London police directed five unnamed members of the 2018 Canadian world junior team to surrender. It's in relation to an alleged sexual assault following a gala event in London where the team was recognized for winning a gold medal in January of that year in Buffalo.
The charges and allegations have not been tested in court. It's not known whether the four other members have turned themselves into police yet. London Police Service said following Wednesday's report it is unable to provide an update at this time but anticipates it will hold a press conference on Monday, Feb. 5, to share further details.
Formenton, 24, has spent the past two seasons in the Swiss National League playing for Ambri-Piotta. The team granted him leave on Jan. 24 for personal reasons and allowed him to return to Canada.
The Barrie, Ont., native last played in the NHL in 2021-22 with the Ottawa Senators, who drafted him in the second round, 47th overall, in 2017. Formenton became an RFA after that season; he received a qualifying offer that expired in 2022, and he and the team have not signed a new contract by the Dec. 1 deadlines in 2022 and 2023.