Lawsuit Against Hockey Canada/CHL (2018 World Junior Team)

[GB5]

2 hours ago, flat land fish said:

Rough day for Hockey Canada under oath.  Should produce some positive changes.  One of which should be some education for the incoming players at all levels of junior hockey and other competitive athletics.  I sat and asked myself how could something like this happen?  My experiences as an 18 year old were consistent rejection in the dating pool and certainly the hookup scene.  These players it’s almost the total opposite where there access to casual hookups is so much greater than the general public there is a definite blind spot to the what’s out of the ordinary or what’s wrong.  They definitely are wrong in this case and future generations coming up need some direction on this.  You can imagine a lot of the players leave home for the first time at 16-17 and maybe hardly had girlfriends and then you enter an environment with 18-20 year old peers and a easy come easy go social scene not hard to see where the culture shared part of the blame.  Ugly day hopefully positive change as a result.

Reading the comments today made me ask "what decade is this?" 

Renney and company seem lost in a time warp and positive change should have occurred decades ago. I find their claim of ignorance bizarre and incompetent.

[flat land fish]

2 hours ago, GB5 said:

Reading the comments today made me ask "what decade is this?" 

Renney and company seem lost in a time warp and positive change should have occurred decades ago. I find their claim of ignorance bizarre and incompetent.

Need a senior leader who comes from outside hockey.  Sadly most of the leadership group if they played elite hockey would have seen similar behaviour although perhaps not to the same extreme and had too much empathy for the players involved.  

[mll]

 

[mll]

 

Edited June 30, 2022 by mll

[mll]

 

[Alflives]

11 minutes ago, mll said:

 

With all the attention on this it’s only a matter time before the eight guys’ are exposed. 

[mll]

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO CANADIANS

July 14, 2022

 

Hockey Canada understands that trust is earned, not given. For decades, we have worked to earn your trust. You have rewarded us for those efforts by allowing us to provide positive hockey experiences to generations of young Canadians from coast to coast to coast.   

We have heard from Canadians, players, their families, fans, sponsors and those impacted by what occurred in 2018. We know you are angry and disappointed in Hockey Canada – rightfully so. 

We know we have not done enough to address the actions of some members of the 2018 National Junior Team, or to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game.

For that we unreservedly apologize.

We know we need to do more to address the behaviours, on and off the ice, that conflict with what Canadians want hockey to be, and which undermine the many good things that the game brings to our country.

That is why we are taking the following steps immediately:

• We are reopening the investigation into the alleged sexual assault perpetrated by members of the 2018 National Junior Team. This investigation continues to be led by an independent third party and will require all players to participate. Those who do not will be banned from all Hockey Canada activities and programs effective immediately. The investigation, once complete, will be referred to an independent adjudicative panel of current and former judges who will determine the appropriate consequences, which may include a lifetime ban from Hockey Canada activity, on and off the ice. We acknowledge the courage of the young woman involved and respect her decision to participate with the investigation in the manner she chooses. 
• We will require all high-performance players, coaches, team staff and volunteers to participate in mandatory sexual violence and consent training. Beginning with the camps taking place this summer, Hockey Canada is requiring athletes and team staff participating in our National Team Programs to participate in additional training on preventing and responding to sexual violence. Going forward, Hockey Canada will be working with all of our provincial member organizations across the country to identify topics for enhanced training, including sexual violence and consent.
• We will conduct a full governance review of Hockey Canada. Hockey Canada will retain an independent, third-party expert to fully examine our organization and make recommendations to ensure our governance is geared to the requirements of a national organization of our scope and influence.
• We are committing to becoming a full signatory to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC). Hockey Canada recognizes the importance of an independent, specialized organization with the capacity to be the stewards of safe sport programs. Hockey Canada is therefore pleased to commit to become a full Program Signatory of the OSIC, including ceding to OSIC all responsibility for complaints, allegations or concerns at the national programming level that fall under the authority of Hockey Canada and OSIC. Hockey Canada intends to champion the full and successful implementation of OSIC across the entire national sport sector.
• We are creating a new independent and confidential complaint mechanism. Hockey Canada recognizes that toxic behaviour in our sport is a systemic issue that must end. We need to provide victims and survivors with the tools and support to come forward. That is why we are creating a new, fully independent and confidential channel to investigate complaints – even those historical in nature. Complaints at the national programming level will be referred to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner, while others will be overseen by the new independent mechanism.  

Changes to policies and procedures can occur with the stroke of a pen. Those changes are meaningless, however, without an equal commitment to addressing the toxic behaviour that exists in many corners of the game. We know this change will not occur overnight, but we are committed to learning, and working with our partners to do better. 

In addition to the measures noted above, we will shortly release a detailed Action Plan that outlines a wide range of steps we are taking within our organization, and with our partners and stakeholders, to advance and improve the culture around our game. Our goal is to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of everyone participating in and enjoying the game of hockey in Canada. 

Delivering on the changes above, as well as those coming in our Action Plan, will require collaboration across the hockey ecosystem. We welcome that collaboration. If we want to see the culture of hockey change for the better, it will be because everyone –– players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, sponsors, parents, fans – is contributing and working towards that goal. 

We believe hockey is the greatest sport on earth. We know we are at a crossroads, and that the journey ahead of us is an important one that will define not just the game going forward but the future of Hockey Canada.  

What happened in London, Ontario in 2018 was completely unacceptable and we once again apologize to Canadians, the young woman, and all those who have been impacted. It’s important for Canadians to understand that upon learning of these allegations, Hockey Canada immediately notified police and Sport Canada, and engaged a respected Canadian law firm to conduct an independent investigation of the matter that spanned more than two years. The process was not perfect, but our goal was to respect the integrity of the investigations. Reopening the investigation is a step towards addressing the disappointment so many feel about the outcome of the process we followed.

Our organization has strived to work in the best interest of Canadians, but we recognize many of the actions we are taking now should have been taken sooner, and faster.  We own that and will do better to deliver on our responsibilities to Canadians.

Canadians have been loud and clear: you expect our national sport and those representing it to work hard to earn your trust each day. We have heard you and are committed to making the changes necessary to allow us to be the organization you expect us to be, and to restore your confidence and trust in us.

[King Heffy]

10 hours ago, mll said:

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO CANADIANS

July 14, 2022

 

Hockey Canada understands that trust is earned, not given. For decades, we have worked to earn your trust. You have rewarded us for those efforts by allowing us to provide positive hockey experiences to generations of young Canadians from coast to coast to coast.   

We have heard from Canadians, players, their families, fans, sponsors and those impacted by what occurred in 2018. We know you are angry and disappointed in Hockey Canada – rightfully so. 

We know we have not done enough to address the actions of some members of the 2018 National Junior Team, or to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game.

For that we unreservedly apologize.

We know we need to do more to address the behaviours, on and off the ice, that conflict with what Canadians want hockey to be, and which undermine the many good things that the game brings to our country.

That is why we are taking the following steps immediately:

• We are reopening the investigation into the alleged sexual assault perpetrated by members of the 2018 National Junior Team. This investigation continues to be led by an independent third party and will require all players to participate. Those who do not will be banned from all Hockey Canada activities and programs effective immediately. The investigation, once complete, will be referred to an independent adjudicative panel of current and former judges who will determine the appropriate consequences, which may include a lifetime ban from Hockey Canada activity, on and off the ice. We acknowledge the courage of the young woman involved and respect her decision to participate with the investigation in the manner she chooses. 
• We will require all high-performance players, coaches, team staff and volunteers to participate in mandatory sexual violence and consent training. Beginning with the camps taking place this summer, Hockey Canada is requiring athletes and team staff participating in our National Team Programs to participate in additional training on preventing and responding to sexual violence. Going forward, Hockey Canada will be working with all of our provincial member organizations across the country to identify topics for enhanced training, including sexual violence and consent.
• We will conduct a full governance review of Hockey Canada. Hockey Canada will retain an independent, third-party expert to fully examine our organization and make recommendations to ensure our governance is geared to the requirements of a national organization of our scope and influence.
• We are committing to becoming a full signatory to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC). Hockey Canada recognizes the importance of an independent, specialized organization with the capacity to be the stewards of safe sport programs. Hockey Canada is therefore pleased to commit to become a full Program Signatory of the OSIC, including ceding to OSIC all responsibility for complaints, allegations or concerns at the national programming level that fall under the authority of Hockey Canada and OSIC. Hockey Canada intends to champion the full and successful implementation of OSIC across the entire national sport sector.
• We are creating a new independent and confidential complaint mechanism. Hockey Canada recognizes that toxic behaviour in our sport is a systemic issue that must end. We need to provide victims and survivors with the tools and support to come forward. That is why we are creating a new, fully independent and confidential channel to investigate complaints – even those historical in nature. Complaints at the national programming level will be referred to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner, while others will be overseen by the new independent mechanism.  

Changes to policies and procedures can occur with the stroke of a pen. Those changes are meaningless, however, without an equal commitment to addressing the toxic behaviour that exists in many corners of the game. We know this change will not occur overnight, but we are committed to learning, and working with our partners to do better. 

In addition to the measures noted above, we will shortly release a detailed Action Plan that outlines a wide range of steps we are taking within our organization, and with our partners and stakeholders, to advance and improve the culture around our game. Our goal is to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of everyone participating in and enjoying the game of hockey in Canada. 

Delivering on the changes above, as well as those coming in our Action Plan, will require collaboration across the hockey ecosystem. We welcome that collaboration. If we want to see the culture of hockey change for the better, it will be because everyone –– players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, sponsors, parents, fans – is contributing and working towards that goal. 

We believe hockey is the greatest sport on earth. We know we are at a crossroads, and that the journey ahead of us is an important one that will define not just the game going forward but the future of Hockey Canada.  

What happened in London, Ontario in 2018 was completely unacceptable and we once again apologize to Canadians, the young woman, and all those who have been impacted. It’s important for Canadians to understand that upon learning of these allegations, Hockey Canada immediately notified police and Sport Canada, and engaged a respected Canadian law firm to conduct an independent investigation of the matter that spanned more than two years. The process was not perfect, but our goal was to respect the integrity of the investigations. Reopening the investigation is a step towards addressing the disappointment so many feel about the outcome of the process we followed.

Our organization has strived to work in the best interest of Canadians, but we recognize many of the actions we are taking now should have been taken sooner, and faster.  We own that and will do better to deliver on our responsibilities to Canadians.

Canadians have been loud and clear: you expect our national sport and those representing it to work hard to earn your trust each day. We have heard you and are committed to making the changes necessary to allow us to be the organization you expect us to be, and to restore your confidence and trust in us.

It's an improvement, but those responsible for the cover-up still need to be fired.

Edited July 14, 2022 by King Heffy

[StanleyCupOneDay]

While these changes are necessary and a good, but long overdue first step forward, the sincerity of their statement rings extremely hollow given they only finally decided to do the right thing after they started losing money from sponsorships and government funding being cut off. Doubly so for once again defending what they did in response despite apologizing for it. I don’t think the current Hockey Canada leaders are the ones to actually enact and strictly adhere to these new policies. They’ve broken that trust not only from their original actions, but also their tone deaf unacceptable responses after. Everyone involved in the decision to settle that lawsuit should be fired as far as I’m concerned.
 

Like Gymnastics Canada, Canada Soccer and the future coming scandals yet to be unearthed in our national sports organizations (there will be more, it’s an endemic problem) they will have to earn my trust again over many many years. All sports need to be inclusive and safe for everyone period end of story.

Edited July 14, 2022 by StanleyCupOneDay

[mll]

 

[StanleyCupOneDay]

1 minute ago, mll said:

 

Wow, so when a person who faces atrocious crimes done to her actually believes the investigation will be proper and impartial instead of a cover up she decides to participate. Whodathunkit?

[Goal:thecup]

Never mind fired.  They should go to jail.  See how they like being the vulnerable one in a group.

Edited July 14, 2022 by Goal:thecup

[Goal:thecup]

33 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

Unfortunately for women, they cannot 'turn the other way' for safety.

I know you are joking, and I laughed, but I do not agree with society's acceptance of the concept of prison rape being justice.

IMO, it is VERY cruel and unusual punishment indeed; regardless if some people like that kind of thing; and regardless of their crimes.

 

I would just like these types that sit around in hotel rooms and restaurants, lapping up a life of luxury, while they 'discuss' these issues.

They are so detached, isolated, and 'entitled' to their lifestyles that they have no idea of how disgusting they are behaving.

 

My point was, maybe they should spend some time being afraid, and frail, and vulnerable, and alone, like the victims of these crimes.

Covering them up, sweeping it under the rug, wrist-slapping, are also crimes, and abiding this behaviour is also a crime in itself.

 

[Goal:thecup]

2 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said:

To clarify, I wasn't posting the song as a means for advocating "justice".  The song just happened to pop into my head (I'm a bit of a punk at heart).  Spoilered because it might be construed as NSFW.  And with an implicit, "I'm just going to leave this right here".  Of course, tongue firmly planted in cheek.  

Yeah man, it wasn't anything against you.

The song was funny for sure.

I just ended up going on a bit about one of my pet peeves.

I am getting sick of this Bunch of Meetings, Things Need To Change, etc.

Meanwhile perps are still out there, living fairly well.

And the people who let them off?

Well, as Sylvester says, they're Despicable!

Look at the Chicago case; bunch of them have been rehired!

I gotta go before I break something.

Cheers "6".

Onward and upward.

Better times ahead.

GO CANUCKS GO!

[Goal:thecup]

7 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said:

The song just happened to pop into my head (I'm a bit of a punk at heart).

"I was a punk before you were a punk.

I was a punk before you - The Tubes

[hammertime]

I hope heads roll! The fact that these men know who was involved and tried to sweep it under the rug makes me furious. If this was my daughter I would be paying every single member of that team a personal visit. 

 

[UKNuck96]

Does your  parliament have Parliamentary Privilege like we have in the UK where they are immune from prosecution for what they say in the house.

 

in the UK they have used this to get around court orders and gagging orders to name people in instances such as this. 
 

 

[Gurn]

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/nhl/as-hockey-canada-re-opens-alleged-sex-assault-probe-here-s-what-2018-players-say-so-far/ar-AAZDIuK?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=aeaa6e950cb84a87a19939867f0dd4ec

As Hockey Canada remains under intense scrutiny over its handling of a lawsuit alleging a sexual assault involving players from the 2018 national junior team, the organization is reopening its investigation and some of the players have been speaking out.

Facing a flight of sponsorship dollars over recent weeks, the organization announced in an open letter to Canadians on Thursday morning that it is reopening the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and it will be mandatory for all players on that team to participate.

Senior leaders told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage last month that players were “encouraged” but not required to cooperate with the initial probe into the matter.

 

We know we have not done enough to address the actions of some members of the 2018 national junior team or to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game,” Hockey Canada wrote in its letter Thursday. “For that we unreservedly apologize.

“We know we need to do more to address the behaviours, on and off the ice, that conflict with what Canadians want hockey to be, and which undermine the many good things that the game brings to our country.”

Hockey Canada officials have said neither the original and later abandoned probe, nor inquiries by police in London, Ont., were able to identify the alleged perpetrators. Robert Talach, lawyer for the complainant, told Global News on Thursday his client is participating in the reopened probe.

One player from the 2018 World Juniors team, Victor Mete, recently took to Twitter to call the allegations "appalling," adding he was not involved. Since the eight alleged perpetrators haven't been identified, he wrote, "the incident has left an unfortunate cloud over every player who was on the Canadian team."

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been tested in court. Neither have criminal charges been laid.

Hockey Canada officials said in committee testimony on June 20 that police in London, Ont., were notified the day after Hockey Canada learned of the allegation in June 2018 but that the investigators did not determine the identities of the accused.

The London police investigation was separate from the external probe conducted for Hockey Canada by Henein Hutchison. Neither of those efforts determined the identities of the alleged perpetrators. When contacted by Global News on Thursday, London police said they could not comment.

"The London Police Service is unable to comment on any alleged criminal investigation," a spokesperson for the force said.

"The London Police Service is committed to thoroughly investigating all complaints of sexual assault. Along with our community partners, we will fully support those who come forward and we encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report the incident to police so that the matter can be investigated."

Hockey Canada's Scott Smith said in June that the organization settled the lawsuit "on behalf of all the defendants." He also said that after learning of the statement of claim, Hockey Canada "communicated with the players' representatives."

"You communicated directly with the counsel or representative of the eight different players," one Liberal MP asked for clarification during the committee meeting.

"It was with their representative," Smith said.

Hockey Canada's Tom Renney later added: "We had no idea of knowing where to focus our energy at all, and it would have been wrong nonetheless, so we contacted every player and all the teams."

TSN first reported on the allegations in May, citing a lawsuit filed by the woman who made the allegation earlier this year. In it, she alleged eight players from the Canadian Hockey League and the World Junior championship team bought her alcoholic beverages and that she went back to a nearby hotel with one of the players.

TSN reported that after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with the woman, a player cited only as John Doe 1  “invited the remainder of the John Doe defendants into the room without the knowledge or consent of the Plaintiff," where they allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

Members of Parliament raised serious concerns about the allegations during that committee, citing their multimillion-dollar contracts with National Hockey League teams, and the chance they could coach young Canadians one day.

"It's not unreasonable now to imagine that many of the eight players subject to these gang rape allegations enjoy lucrative professional careers," said Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge to the committee.

Conservative MP Kevin Waugh posed a question to the Hockey Canada officials: "Does it concern any of you in front of me today that these alleged so-called rapists have ongoing careers in amateur and professional hockey today, and some day could be coaching?"

Hockey Canada's roster for the 2018 World Junior championship included 20 players and two goaltenders. Smith told the committee he believed 19 of those were at the Hockey Canada event preceding the alleged sexual assault.

Global News reached out to the agents for all players on the 2018 Hockey Canada roster asking whether each player had participated in the Henein Hutchison probe, and whether they were involved in the alleged sexual assault.

Regarding questions about six players on the 2018 roster put to sports agency Wasserman Hockey, Global News received a statement from Scott Fenton, a criminal defence lawyer based in Toronto.

"We act for one of the players referenced in your email inquiry and have consulted with counsel for the other players you reference. All of Global News’ questions will be asked and answered during the pending NHL investigation. That said, none of the players you reference engaged in any wrongdoing, all of the players cooperated fully with the independent London Police Service investigation in 2018, and all players were then cleared of any wrongdoing," Fenton wrote.

"Naming any of these players now, or attempting to associate any of them in any way with alleged criminal wrongdoing, or alleging that they were not cooperative with the London Police or willing to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will constitute materially false statements constituting defamation causing serious financial and reputational harm."

Below are the players on the roster, which is publicly available. For players whose agents did not respond, Global News also attempted to get answers from their teams and also reached out to the NHL Players’ Association for comment.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Batherson lists New Minas, N.S., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster.

He played forward for Team Canada at the 2018 World Junior championship.

Batherson plays right wing and was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2017 in the fourth round.

He is 24-years-old.

In September 2021, Sportsnet reported Batherson re-signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators for the next six years, worth $29.85 million.

Global News contacted Quartexx Management multiple times but has not yet received a response. Global News also reached out to the Ottawa Senators but has not yet received a response, along with the NHL Players' Association, but did not receive a response.

Bean was born in Calgary, Alta., and played defence for Team Canada in the 2018 World Junior championship, according to the Hockey Canada 2018 roster.

He is 24-years-old.

He was drafted in 2016 by the Carolina Hurricanes and in 2021, signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That three-year contract is worth $7-million, according to the NHL website.

Bean is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Clague was born in Regina, Sask., but lists Lloydminster, Alta., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster. He played defence for Team Canada during the 2018 World Juniors championship.

In 2016, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round. Clague then went to the Montreal Canadiens in December 2021, and signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres this week.

He is 24.

Clague is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born and raised in Longueuil, Que., Comtois played forward in the 2018 World Juniors, according to the team roster.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round.

Comtois was named captain of the Team Canada World Juniors team in 2019 and that same year, announced a commitment in partnership with Telus to support their anti-bullying campaign.

In 2021, Comtois signed a two-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. While financial details do not appear to have been announced at the time, The Athletic reported the contract was worth $4.1 million.

He is 23.

Global News contacted the Roy Sports Group and Allain Roy multiple times but has not yet received a response. Global News also attempted to contact the Anaheim Ducks. No response from the team has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association, but did not receive a response.

Born in Golden, B.C., Dubé listed Cochrane, Alta., as his hometown in the Hockey Canada roster for the 2018 World Junior championship team.

He played forward and was captain of the team that year.

Dubé was drafted in 2016 by the Calgary Flames in the second round.

Last summer, Sportsnet reported that the Flames had signed him to a three-year, $6.9-million contract.

He is 24.

Global News contacted David Cowan with O2K Sports Management.

Cowan said in a statement: "All of Global News’ questions will be asked and answered during the pending NHL investigation. Dillon did not engage in any wrongdoing, and he cooperated fully with the independent London Police Service investigation in 2018, through which all players were then cleared of any wrongdoing."

The statement continued: "Naming Dillon or attempting to associate him in any way with alleged criminal wrongdoing, or alleging that he was not cooperative with the London Police or was unwilling to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will constitute materially false statements constituting defamation causing serious financial and reputational harm."

Fabbro was born in Coquitlam, B.C., and played defence on the 2018 World Juniors, according to the roster.

He was drafted in 2016 in the first round by the Nashville Predators.

Last summer, the team signed Fabbro to a two-year contract worth $4.8 million.

He is 24.

Fabbro's agent J.P Barry told Global News his client "was asleep in his own room in a different part of the hotel that evening and was not involved in with the alleged incident that was investigated by Henein Hutchison" and that Fabbro "fully cooperated" with that probe.

Foote was born in Denver, Colorado, but listed his hometown as Kelowna, B.C., on the 2018 World Juniors championship roster.

He was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017.

Last summer, the team signed him to a two-year contract with average annual value of $850,000.

He is 23.

Foote's agent Kurt Overhardt told Global News his client was not involved in the alleged sexual assault.

Born in Barrie, Ont., Formenton played forward with the 2018 World Juniors championship team, according to the roster.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Ottawa Senators in the second round.

The Senators signed him for a three-year contract in 2017.

CBC Sports has pegged his annual pay at $750,000.

He is 22.

Global News contacted Newport Sports Management multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the Ottawa Senators but has not yet received a response.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Gadjovich was born in Whitby, Ont, according to the 2018 World Juniors roster.

He played forward for the 2018 World Juniors team, where he was named player of the game.

He was drafted in the second round by the Vancouver Canucks in 2017 and signed a three-year contract with the team, but was claimed on waivers by the San Jose Sharks last year.

The value of his original contract with the Canucks is not clear.

Gadjovich is 23.

His agent Jason Harshaw said in a statement: "The events described in the story are serious and reprehensible. Jonah was not involved in the incident and does not have any comment on legal proceedings and the settlement involving other parties."

Born in Sherwood Park, Alta., Hart was one of two goaltenders for the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was signed in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, and in August 2021 signed a new three-year contract with the team valued at $12 million.

He is 23.

Hart is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born in Calgary, Alta., Howden listed Oakbank, Man., as his hometown on his World Junior roster listing.

He played forward on the 2018 championship team, and was drafted in 2016 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. After that, he was traded to the New York Rangers then to the Vegas Golden Knights.

On July 13, Howden signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Howden is 24.

Global News contacted agent J.P. Barry multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Katchouk was born in Vancouver, B.C., but lists Waterloo, Ont., as his hometown on the 2018 World Junior championship team roster.

He played forward for the team during the 2018 World Juniors.

Katchouk was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 first round, and now plays for the Chicago Blackhawks. In July 2021, he signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks worth $758,333 per year, according to the NHL announcement.

He is 24.

Mike Liut at Octagon Hockey said: "Boris has fully cooperated with the Hockey Canada investigation and will continue to provide that cooperation in any further investigation. Beyond this statement we are not commenting further."

Kyrou is from Toronto, Ont., and played forward on the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2016 draft after playing with Sarnia in the Ontario Hockey League. According to the NHL, the Blues returned him to Sarnia in 2017-2018.

He was brought back up later that year and in 2021, signed a two-year contract with the team worth $5.6 million.

He is 24.

Kyrou is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Makar is from Calgary, Alta., and played defence with the 2018 World Junior team, according to the roster.

He was drafted to the Colorado Avalanche in 2017 in the first round.

Last summer, he signed a six-year contract with that team worth $54 million, according to ESPN.

He is 23.

Makar's agent Brian Bartlett said: "Both Cale and I have verified a number of times - and verify again, here - that he was not involved in any way in the alleged conduct from 2018. Cale fully participated in the external investigation. He met with the attorneys in person for an interview and answered all their questions."

Born in Mississauga, Ont., McLeod played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round in 2016. McLeod signed a two-year contract worth $1,950,000. with the Devils last year.

He is 24.

Global News contacted Top Shelf Sports Management and agent Joseph Resnick multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the New Jersey Devils. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in Woodbridge, Ont., Mete played defence with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round in 2016, then went to the Ottawa Senators.

He now plays with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last year, he signed a one-year contract with the team worth $1.2 million.

He is 24.

Mete issued a statement publicly on Twitter on June 30, saying he was out of the country and not present at the event where the assault allegedly took place. He said in the statement that he would cooperate with any investigation efforts.

Born in North Bay, Ont., Point was one of two goaltenders with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted in the fifth round by the Dallas Stars in 2016.

Last summer, he signed a one-year deal with the Stars for which financial details are not disclosed. He is currently a free agent.

He is 24.

Point is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Raddysh is from Caledon, Ont., and played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 2016 draft. He signed a three-year contract worth $2.3 million last summer with the deal, but moved to play for the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year.

He is 24.

Raddysh is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born in Ardrossan, Alta., Steel named Sherwood Park, Alta., as his hometown on his 2018 World Juniors team roster listing.

He was drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Anaheim Ducks.

He re-signed with the team on a one-year contract last year but is currently a free agent.

Financial details were not announced.

Steel is 24.

Global News made multiple attempts to contact Gerry Johannson and The Sports Corporation. The email listed on the agency's website returned to sender, while the number on both the website and the NHL Player's Association website played a recorded message saying it did not take voicemail.

No cellphone number or direct email contact is listed on either site.

Global News also reached out to the Anaheim Ducks. No response from the team has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in Sylvan Lake, Alta., Steenbergen played forward on the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He scored the game-winning goal in the championship final.

He was drafted in the fifth round in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes.

Last summer, he was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in a trade.

He is 24.

Rick Valette with Octagon Hockey said he could not comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Thomas is from Aurora, Ont., and played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2017 in the first round.

He was then returned to the Ontario Hockey League to play with the London Knights and the Hamilton Bulldogs before playing his first NHL game in 2018.

In September 2021, he signed a two-year contract with the Blues for $5.6 million.

He is 22.

Global News contacted Newport Sports Management multiple times. No response had yet been received. The St. Louis Blues do not list media relations contacts on their website. Global News contacted their team's community relations department on Thursday with the questions, and asked for assistance identifying a media relations official.

No response has yet been received.

Global News has also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in St. Catharine's, Ont., Timmins listed nearby Thorold as his hometown on the roster of the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round, but currently plays for the Arizona Coyotes.

Last summer, he signed a two-year contract with the Coyotes.

Sportsnet reported the deal is worth $850,000 per year.

He is 23.

Global News contacted Quartexx Management and agent Paul Capizzano multiple times, along with reaching out to the Arizona Coyotes. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm wondering just what/who Hockey Canada thinks it is- saying this

"

will be mandatory for all players on that team to participate.

Senior leaders told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage last month that players were “encouraged” but not required to cooperate with the initial probe into the matter."

 

As far as I recall, in Canada only the court can "require" you to speak. 

They were wrong last time they investigated, looks like they're going wrong this time too.

[4petesake]

1 hour ago, gurn said:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/nhl/as-hockey-canada-re-opens-alleged-sex-assault-probe-here-s-what-2018-players-say-so-far/ar-AAZDIuK?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=aeaa6e950cb84a87a19939867f0dd4ec

As Hockey Canada remains under intense scrutiny over its handling of a lawsuit alleging a sexual assault involving players from the 2018 national junior team, the organization is reopening its investigation and some of the players have been speaking out.

Facing a flight of sponsorship dollars over recent weeks, the organization announced in an open letter to Canadians on Thursday morning that it is reopening the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and it will be mandatory for all players on that team to participate.

Senior leaders told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage last month that players were “encouraged” but not required to cooperate with the initial probe into the matter.

 

We know we have not done enough to address the actions of some members of the 2018 national junior team or to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game,” Hockey Canada wrote in its letter Thursday. “For that we unreservedly apologize.

“We know we need to do more to address the behaviours, on and off the ice, that conflict with what Canadians want hockey to be, and which undermine the many good things that the game brings to our country.”

Hockey Canada officials have said neither the original and later abandoned probe, nor inquiries by police in London, Ont., were able to identify the alleged perpetrators. Robert Talach, lawyer for the complainant, told Global News on Thursday his client is participating in the reopened probe.

One player from the 2018 World Juniors team, Victor Mete, recently took to Twitter to call the allegations "appalling," adding he was not involved. Since the eight alleged perpetrators haven't been identified, he wrote, "the incident has left an unfortunate cloud over every player who was on the Canadian team."

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been tested in court. Neither have criminal charges been laid.

Hockey Canada officials said in committee testimony on June 20 that police in London, Ont., were notified the day after Hockey Canada learned of the allegation in June 2018 but that the investigators did not determine the identities of the accused.

The London police investigation was separate from the external probe conducted for Hockey Canada by Henein Hutchison. Neither of those efforts determined the identities of the alleged perpetrators. When contacted by Global News on Thursday, London police said they could not comment.

"The London Police Service is unable to comment on any alleged criminal investigation," a spokesperson for the force said.

"The London Police Service is committed to thoroughly investigating all complaints of sexual assault. Along with our community partners, we will fully support those who come forward and we encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to report the incident to police so that the matter can be investigated."

Hockey Canada's Scott Smith said in June that the organization settled the lawsuit "on behalf of all the defendants." He also said that after learning of the statement of claim, Hockey Canada "communicated with the players' representatives."

"You communicated directly with the counsel or representative of the eight different players," one Liberal MP asked for clarification during the committee meeting.

"It was with their representative," Smith said.

Hockey Canada's Tom Renney later added: "We had no idea of knowing where to focus our energy at all, and it would have been wrong nonetheless, so we contacted every player and all the teams."

TSN first reported on the allegations in May, citing a lawsuit filed by the woman who made the allegation earlier this year. In it, she alleged eight players from the Canadian Hockey League and the World Junior championship team bought her alcoholic beverages and that she went back to a nearby hotel with one of the players.

TSN reported that after allegedly engaging in sexual acts with the woman, a player cited only as John Doe 1  “invited the remainder of the John Doe defendants into the room without the knowledge or consent of the Plaintiff," where they allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

Members of Parliament raised serious concerns about the allegations during that committee, citing their multimillion-dollar contracts with National Hockey League teams, and the chance they could coach young Canadians one day.

"It's not unreasonable now to imagine that many of the eight players subject to these gang rape allegations enjoy lucrative professional careers," said Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge to the committee.

Conservative MP Kevin Waugh posed a question to the Hockey Canada officials: "Does it concern any of you in front of me today that these alleged so-called rapists have ongoing careers in amateur and professional hockey today, and some day could be coaching?"

Hockey Canada's roster for the 2018 World Junior championship included 20 players and two goaltenders. Smith told the committee he believed 19 of those were at the Hockey Canada event preceding the alleged sexual assault.

Global News reached out to the agents for all players on the 2018 Hockey Canada roster asking whether each player had participated in the Henein Hutchison probe, and whether they were involved in the alleged sexual assault.

Regarding questions about six players on the 2018 roster put to sports agency Wasserman Hockey, Global News received a statement from Scott Fenton, a criminal defence lawyer based in Toronto.

"We act for one of the players referenced in your email inquiry and have consulted with counsel for the other players you reference. All of Global News’ questions will be asked and answered during the pending NHL investigation. That said, none of the players you reference engaged in any wrongdoing, all of the players cooperated fully with the independent London Police Service investigation in 2018, and all players were then cleared of any wrongdoing," Fenton wrote.

"Naming any of these players now, or attempting to associate any of them in any way with alleged criminal wrongdoing, or alleging that they were not cooperative with the London Police or willing to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will constitute materially false statements constituting defamation causing serious financial and reputational harm."

Below are the players on the roster, which is publicly available. For players whose agents did not respond, Global News also attempted to get answers from their teams and also reached out to the NHL Players’ Association for comment.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Batherson lists New Minas, N.S., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster.

He played forward for Team Canada at the 2018 World Junior championship.

Batherson plays right wing and was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2017 in the fourth round.

He is 24-years-old.

In September 2021, Sportsnet reported Batherson re-signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators for the next six years, worth $29.85 million.

Global News contacted Quartexx Management multiple times but has not yet received a response. Global News also reached out to the Ottawa Senators but has not yet received a response, along with the NHL Players' Association, but did not receive a response.

Bean was born in Calgary, Alta., and played defence for Team Canada in the 2018 World Junior championship, according to the Hockey Canada 2018 roster.

He is 24-years-old.

He was drafted in 2016 by the Carolina Hurricanes and in 2021, signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That three-year contract is worth $7-million, according to the NHL website.

Bean is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Clague was born in Regina, Sask., but lists Lloydminster, Alta., as his hometown on the Hockey Canada roster. He played defence for Team Canada during the 2018 World Juniors championship.

In 2016, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round. Clague then went to the Montreal Canadiens in December 2021, and signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres this week.

He is 24.

Clague is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born and raised in Longueuil, Que., Comtois played forward in the 2018 World Juniors, according to the team roster.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round.

Comtois was named captain of the Team Canada World Juniors team in 2019 and that same year, announced a commitment in partnership with Telus to support their anti-bullying campaign.

In 2021, Comtois signed a two-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. While financial details do not appear to have been announced at the time, The Athletic reported the contract was worth $4.1 million.

He is 23.

Global News contacted the Roy Sports Group and Allain Roy multiple times but has not yet received a response. Global News also attempted to contact the Anaheim Ducks. No response from the team has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association, but did not receive a response.

Born in Golden, B.C., Dubé listed Cochrane, Alta., as his hometown in the Hockey Canada roster for the 2018 World Junior championship team.

He played forward and was captain of the team that year.

Dubé was drafted in 2016 by the Calgary Flames in the second round.

Last summer, Sportsnet reported that the Flames had signed him to a three-year, $6.9-million contract.

He is 24.

Global News contacted David Cowan with O2K Sports Management.

Cowan said in a statement: "All of Global News’ questions will be asked and answered during the pending NHL investigation. Dillon did not engage in any wrongdoing, and he cooperated fully with the independent London Police Service investigation in 2018, through which all players were then cleared of any wrongdoing."

The statement continued: "Naming Dillon or attempting to associate him in any way with alleged criminal wrongdoing, or alleging that he was not cooperative with the London Police or was unwilling to cooperate with Hockey Canada, will constitute materially false statements constituting defamation causing serious financial and reputational harm."

Fabbro was born in Coquitlam, B.C., and played defence on the 2018 World Juniors, according to the roster.

He was drafted in 2016 in the first round by the Nashville Predators.

Last summer, the team signed Fabbro to a two-year contract worth $4.8 million.

He is 24.

Fabbro's agent J.P Barry told Global News his client "was asleep in his own room in a different part of the hotel that evening and was not involved in with the alleged incident that was investigated by Henein Hutchison" and that Fabbro "fully cooperated" with that probe.

Foote was born in Denver, Colorado, but listed his hometown as Kelowna, B.C., on the 2018 World Juniors championship roster.

He was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017.

Last summer, the team signed him to a two-year contract with average annual value of $850,000.

He is 23.

Foote's agent Kurt Overhardt told Global News his client was not involved in the alleged sexual assault.

Born in Barrie, Ont., Formenton played forward with the 2018 World Juniors championship team, according to the roster.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Ottawa Senators in the second round.

The Senators signed him for a three-year contract in 2017.

CBC Sports has pegged his annual pay at $750,000.

He is 22.

Global News contacted Newport Sports Management multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the Ottawa Senators but has not yet received a response.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Gadjovich was born in Whitby, Ont, according to the 2018 World Juniors roster.

He played forward for the 2018 World Juniors team, where he was named player of the game.

He was drafted in the second round by the Vancouver Canucks in 2017 and signed a three-year contract with the team, but was claimed on waivers by the San Jose Sharks last year.

The value of his original contract with the Canucks is not clear.

Gadjovich is 23.

His agent Jason Harshaw said in a statement: "The events described in the story are serious and reprehensible. Jonah was not involved in the incident and does not have any comment on legal proceedings and the settlement involving other parties."

Born in Sherwood Park, Alta., Hart was one of two goaltenders for the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was signed in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, and in August 2021 signed a new three-year contract with the team valued at $12 million.

He is 23.

Hart is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born in Calgary, Alta., Howden listed Oakbank, Man., as his hometown on his World Junior roster listing.

He played forward on the 2018 championship team, and was drafted in 2016 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. After that, he was traded to the New York Rangers then to the Vegas Golden Knights.

On July 13, Howden signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Howden is 24.

Global News contacted agent J.P. Barry multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Katchouk was born in Vancouver, B.C., but lists Waterloo, Ont., as his hometown on the 2018 World Junior championship team roster.

He played forward for the team during the 2018 World Juniors.

Katchouk was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 first round, and now plays for the Chicago Blackhawks. In July 2021, he signed a three-year contract with the Blackhawks worth $758,333 per year, according to the NHL announcement.

He is 24.

Mike Liut at Octagon Hockey said: "Boris has fully cooperated with the Hockey Canada investigation and will continue to provide that cooperation in any further investigation. Beyond this statement we are not commenting further."

Kyrou is from Toronto, Ont., and played forward on the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2016 draft after playing with Sarnia in the Ontario Hockey League. According to the NHL, the Blues returned him to Sarnia in 2017-2018.

He was brought back up later that year and in 2021, signed a two-year contract with the team worth $5.6 million.

He is 24.

Kyrou is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Makar is from Calgary, Alta., and played defence with the 2018 World Junior team, according to the roster.

He was drafted to the Colorado Avalanche in 2017 in the first round.

Last summer, he signed a six-year contract with that team worth $54 million, according to ESPN.

He is 23.

Makar's agent Brian Bartlett said: "Both Cale and I have verified a number of times - and verify again, here - that he was not involved in any way in the alleged conduct from 2018. Cale fully participated in the external investigation. He met with the attorneys in person for an interview and answered all their questions."

Born in Mississauga, Ont., McLeod played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round in 2016. McLeod signed a two-year contract worth $1,950,000. with the Devils last year.

He is 24.

Global News contacted Top Shelf Sports Management and agent Joseph Resnick multiple times. No response has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the New Jersey Devils. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in Woodbridge, Ont., Mete played defence with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round in 2016, then went to the Ottawa Senators.

He now plays with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last year, he signed a one-year contract with the team worth $1.2 million.

He is 24.

Mete issued a statement publicly on Twitter on June 30, saying he was out of the country and not present at the event where the assault allegedly took place. He said in the statement that he would cooperate with any investigation efforts.

Born in North Bay, Ont., Point was one of two goaltenders with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted in the fifth round by the Dallas Stars in 2016.

Last summer, he signed a one-year deal with the Stars for which financial details are not disclosed. He is currently a free agent.

He is 24.

Point is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Raddysh is from Caledon, Ont., and played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the 2016 draft. He signed a three-year contract worth $2.3 million last summer with the deal, but moved to play for the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year.

He is 24.

Raddysh is represented by Wasserman Hockey. Regarding questions to three agents about six players at Wasserman Hockey, Global News was contacted by Fenton.

His statement on behalf of the six players denying any of the players were involved in the alleged sexual assault is above.

Born in Ardrossan, Alta., Steel named Sherwood Park, Alta., as his hometown on his 2018 World Juniors team roster listing.

He was drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Anaheim Ducks.

He re-signed with the team on a one-year contract last year but is currently a free agent.

Financial details were not announced.

Steel is 24.

Global News made multiple attempts to contact Gerry Johannson and The Sports Corporation. The email listed on the agency's website returned to sender, while the number on both the website and the NHL Player's Association website played a recorded message saying it did not take voicemail.

No cellphone number or direct email contact is listed on either site.

Global News also reached out to the Anaheim Ducks. No response from the team has yet been received. Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in Sylvan Lake, Alta., Steenbergen played forward on the 2018 World Juniors team, according to the roster.

He scored the game-winning goal in the championship final.

He was drafted in the fifth round in 2017 by the Arizona Coyotes.

Last summer, he was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in a trade.

He is 24.

Rick Valette with Octagon Hockey said he could not comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Thomas is from Aurora, Ont., and played forward with the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2017 in the first round.

He was then returned to the Ontario Hockey League to play with the London Knights and the Hamilton Bulldogs before playing his first NHL game in 2018.

In September 2021, he signed a two-year contract with the Blues for $5.6 million.

He is 22.

Global News contacted Newport Sports Management multiple times. No response had yet been received. The St. Louis Blues do not list media relations contacts on their website. Global News contacted their team's community relations department on Thursday with the questions, and asked for assistance identifying a media relations official.

No response has yet been received.

Global News has also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

Born in St. Catharine's, Ont., Timmins listed nearby Thorold as his hometown on the roster of the 2018 World Juniors team.

He was drafted in 2017 by the Colorado Avalanche in the second round, but currently plays for the Arizona Coyotes.

Last summer, he signed a two-year contract with the Coyotes.

Sportsnet reported the deal is worth $850,000 per year.

He is 23.

Global News contacted Quartexx Management and agent Paul Capizzano multiple times, along with reaching out to the Arizona Coyotes. No response has yet been received.

Global News also reached out to the NHL Players' Association but did not receive a response.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm wondering just what/who Hockey Canada thinks it is- saying this

"

will be mandatory for all players on that team to participate.

Senior leaders told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage last month that players were “encouraged” but not required to cooperate with the initial probe into the matter."

 

As far as I recall, in Canada only the court can "require" you to speak. 

They were wrong last time they investigated, looks like they're going wrong this time too.

According to the open letter to all Canadians posted by @mll “any player that does not participate would be banned from all Hockey Canada programs and activities effective immediately.”

 

Someone would have to explain to me what the practical effect of such a ban would be but on the face of it it seems pretty toothless to me. I would guess that most guys outside of the hateful eight will cooperate and the remainder will have their lawyers offer up a lot of lawyer-speak denials. 

[Gurn]

8 minutes ago, 4petesake said:

“any player that does not participate would be banned from all Hockey Canada programs and activities effective immediately.”

Wow- that's like so,..........................    so what?

doubt any of them were making an Olympic team, and the tourney played during the Stanley Cup play offs, is not a huge loss for a player.

 

Reminds me of the time I got threatened with an insubordination charge, I just smiled and said "Go ahead, I'll get an apology later". Then went and did my job.

 

Threats, with out a whip or the ability to actually do something, is as meaningless as farts in a hurricane.