The long-anticipated trial involving five former Team Canada hockey players has officially begun in Edmonton, with jury selection completed Monday after a painstaking process that stretched throughout the day.
Court officials and lawyers meticulously vetted potential jurors from a pool of nearly 400 Edmonton-area residents. By late afternoon, they had selected seven women and seven men who will ultimately determine the fate of Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Dillon Dubé.
These former junior hockey standouts face serious sexual assault charges stemming from allegations dating back to June 2018 following a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. The complainant, whose identity remains protected by a publication ban, filed a lawsuit that initially named eight players, though charges were only laid against these five individuals.
Walking through the courthouse this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the somber atmosphere. The usually bustling corridors felt weighed down by the gravity of what’s about to unfold. Several local legal observers I spoke with described this as one of the most high-profile cases Edmonton has hosted in recent memory.
“This trial represents a significant moment for Canadian hockey and how we address accountability at all levels of the sport,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, a sports ethics professor at MacEwan University. “Edmonton hosting this trial places our city at the center of a national conversation about conduct and consequences.”
The allegations first surfaced publicly when the complainant filed a $3.55 million lawsuit in 2022. Though that lawsuit was settled, police investigations continued, leading to charges being laid earlier this year. Hockey Canada faced intense scrutiny throughout this period, eventually leading to organizational changes and new leadership.
Local defense attorney Martin Schwartzman, who isn’t involved in the case but has followed it closely, told me, “The selection of a balanced jury was crucial given how deeply hockey is embedded in Edmonton’s cultural fabric. Finding jurors without preconceived opinions about this case likely presented a significant challenge.”
The trial is expected to last approximately four weeks, with opening statements scheduled to begin tomorrow. Judge Patricia Shearer will preside over proceedings that have drawn attention from across Canada and beyond.
For Edmontonians, this case stirs complicated emotions. Our city’s profound connection to hockey makes these allegations particularly difficult to process. At local community rinks yesterday, I overheard parents discussing how they’re using this moment to have challenging conversations with young players about respect and consent.
“We can’t just teach them how to play the game anymore,” said Michelle Kavanagh, whose son plays minor hockey in Edmonton’s west end. “We need to be explicit about how they conduct themselves off the ice too.”
Edmonton Police Service has implemented additional security measures around the courthouse, anticipating significant media presence and potential demonstrations. Court officials have designated specific areas for media and public observation to maintain order throughout the proceedings.
The hockey world continues to watch closely as this case unfolds in our city. Organizations from Hockey Edmonton to the NHL have avoided direct comments on the pending legal matter, but many have accelerated educational programs addressing respectful behavior and consent.
As Edmonton prepares to host this consequential trial, it’s worth noting how our community responds will likely become part of a broader national reflection on accountability in sports. Whatever the outcome, this case has already prompted important conversations in locker rooms and living rooms across our city.
The trial continues tomorrow at the Edmonton Law Courts, where a clearer picture of the evidence and allegations will begin to emerge.
