SCANDAL: Hockey Canada and CHL under fire for alleged sexual assault involving multiple 2018 World Junior players
PUBLICATION
O. EngMay 26, 2022 (3:50 PM)
Trigger warning : Sexual Assault
TSN and their reporter Rick Westhead just dropped some breaking news concerning events that took place during the 2018 World Junior Championship involving a female victim and multiple players from Team Canada.
"A woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight Canadian Hockey League players, including members of Canada's gold medal-winning 2017-18 World Junior team, has agreed to drop a lawsuit against the players, Hockey Canada, and the CHL after reaching a settlement."
On June 8, 2018, the unarmed woman claimed to have been assaulted while intoxicated in a hotel room.
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In the official court documents Hockey Canada and the CHL along with 8 anonymous members of the U20 Men's Junior Team. However, the defendants 1 through 8 are not limited to players active on that roster. The statement refers to the players as John Does 1-8.
The defendant, now 24, also alleged that Hockey Canada was made aware of the alleged assaults but failed to investigate or punish the players.
"The lawsuit said the John Doe defendants attended a Hockey Canada Foundation Gala June 18 and following the event went to Jack's Yard, a bar and restaurant in downtown London. The claim said that the plaintiff arrived at the bar at 11 p.m., where she met a hockey player � not listed as a defendant � who introduced her to John Doe 1 and his teammates."
The statement also notes that the alleged players bought the woman a number of alcoholic drink as well shots, making her separated from her friends and growing increasingly more intoxicated.
"The players directed her to fondle her genitals, and perform oral sex on them. The players also allegedly straddled the plaintiff while placing their genitals in her face, slapped the plaintiff on her buttocks, spat on her, ejaculated in and on her, engaged in vaginal intercourse with her, pressured her from leaving the room when she tried to, and engaged in other sexual activities with her."
The lawsuit also added that,
"At times the plaintiff was crying and attempted to leave the room but was directed, manipulated and intimidated into remaining, after which she was subjected to further sexual assaults."
She was pressured by John Doe 1 to not inform the police about the incident and to not cooperate with any investigations.
The woman claims to now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, depression, and suicidal ideation. She also suffered mental anguish, humiliation, degradation, shame, and low self-esteem, making her unable to finish her education and therefore make a proper living.
In the settlement, the plaintiff reportedly "asked a judge to award $3.55 million, including $2 million for past and future pecuniary damages, $1 million for punitive damages, $300,000 for pain and suffering, and $50,000 for mental and emotional stress."
In a statement by the lawyer of the plaintiff, he said that she has accepted a settlement but would not comment on wether she had signed off on an NDA.
We will be following this story closely and will keep you updated.
Credit: TSN
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