Ex-Canada world Junior hockey players plead not guilty as sexual assault trial begins

Five former World Junior hockey players have all pleaded not guilty in a 2018 sexual assault case.

Today was day one of the trial in London, Ontario, beginning with jury selection.

One-by-one, Dillon Dubé, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton entered the London courthouse to face allegations of sexual assault against them in 2018.

Dressed in dark suits, the players from Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Junior team were arraigned, and asked by the judge what their plea was.

All five answered: “Not guilty.”

The now-pro hockey players are facing allegations and charges in connection with the sexual assault of a woman, whose identity is protected by a publication ban.

She reported an incident that allegedly occurred at a London, Ontario hotel right after a Hockey Canada gala, a celebration of their gold-medal win in that year’s World Junior tournament.

The judge presiding the trial told all jurors or potential jurors that they would be asked questions surrounding their knowledge about the case, preconceived opinions or any ties to any previous sexual assault cases.

Judge Maria Carroccia also informed the court this morning that “Bias or impartiality should play no part in this process.”

Twelve jury members have been selected along with four alternates. Twelve of them are women and four are men.

The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.

READ MORE: Witnesses sought in early-April sex assault of teen in Hamilton park