The high-profile trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors hockey team is nearing its conclusion. The players—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, and Alex Formenton—are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario, hotel room in June 2018. The Crown and defense are set to present their closing arguments next week, three years after the allegations first emerged.

The trial has been marked by significant disruptions, including a mistrial and two dismissed juries. Justice Maria Carroccia presided over the proceedings, which began in late April. The players have all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The case has raised broader questions about the treatment of sexual assault allegations within Canada’s justice system and the culture surrounding hockey.

The allegations stem from an incident that occurred after the Hockey Canada Foundation’s annual Gala & Golf fundraising event. The complainant, who was 20 at the time, alleges that after consensual sex with McLeod, she was assaulted by the other players. McLeod faces an additional charge for allegedly encouraging his teammates to engage in sexual activity with her when he knew she was not consenting.

The trial has seen intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the treatment of the complainant, referred to as E.M. She testified for nine days, detailing her experiences in the hotel room. During her testimony, she described how she felt compelled to adopt a “porn star persona” as a coping mechanism in a situation where she felt overwhelmed. E.M. stated, "I was drunk and in an autonomous state, acting in ‘autopilot’ while surrounded by large men I didn’t know."

The trial has also been complicated by legal issues. The first jury was dismissed just days after being selected, leading to a mistrial. The second jury was dismissed after concerns arose that jurors felt defense lawyers were making fun of them. Justice Carroccia ultimately decided to continue the trial without a jury, citing concerns about the jurors' ability to remain impartial.

Throughout the trial, the Crown has presented evidence, including messages from McLeod to his teammates discussing sexual encounters. The defense has argued that the interactions were consensual, with the complainant previously stating in videos that everything was consensual. However, she later clarified that while she did not verbally refuse, she did not consent to the subsequent actions that took place.

The trial has sparked a national conversation about sexual misconduct in sports, particularly in hockey, a sport deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. As the trial approaches its conclusion, many are left wondering how the verdict will impact the ongoing discussions about accountability and justice for victims of sexual violence in Canada.