Canadian government will not appeal hockey players’ acquittal

LONDON, Ontario — A lawyer for one of five former world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault charges last month says the Canadian government will not appeal the judge’s ruling.

Daniel Brown, who represents Alex Formenton, said in an email Thursday he had been informed of that decision.

Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote were acquitted of sexual assault. McLeod also was acquitted of a separate charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault.

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The defense deemed the ruling a “resounding vindication,” while the complainant’s lawyer called it devastating.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found the complainant’s testimony was not credible or reliable and that there were “troubling aspects” in how she delivered some of her evidence about the 2018 encounter. The judge said the complainant tended to blame others for inconsistencies in her narrative and exaggerated her level of intoxication that night.

The NHL said at the time of the ruling that the players — none of whom is currently on an NHL roster or has an active contract — remained ineligible to play in the league while it reviews the judge’s findings, adding in a statement that the allegations in the case were disturbing, even if not determined to be criminal.

The NHL Players’ Association said the five should have the opportunity to return to the ice, adding that the league’s eligibility ruling was “inconsistent” with discipline procedures in the collective bargaining agreement.