Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia delivered her decisions in the London sexual assault trial of five former players with Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey Team.
Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, former New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod, and defenseman Cal Foote were accused of sexually assaulting a woman known as E.M. at a London hotel on June 19, 2018, following a Hockey Canada Foundation golf and gala event.
The accused had all pleaded not guilty.
According to CBC, on Thursday morning, Carroccia's opening statement included, "She did not find the evidence of E.M. to be credible or reliable," and so does not conclude the Crown met its burden to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
McLeod was found not guilty of two charges, with the first being sexual assault and the second for being a party to the offense. Foote, Hart, Dubé, and Formenton were found not guilty of one charge of sexual assault.
For further information regarding the trial, you can visit TSN or CBC for in-depth coverage.
McLeod was drafted by New Jersey in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft. He appeared in 287 career games for the Devils and earned 85 points (29 goals, 56 assists).
Foote signed with the Devils as an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 9, 2023. He played 24 games for New Jersey's American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets, and made four appearances for the Devils.
On Jan. 24, 2024, the Devils released the following statement regarding the two players.
"Michael McLeod and Cal Foote have each requested and been granted indefinite leave of absences from the team. The club will have no further comment at this time."
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Hischier's Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily
Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images