Lawyers for New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod say he has been charged with sexual assault and that he will plead not guilty. McLeod (20) carries the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Darren Raddysh (43) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Chris O'Meara
TORONTO – Lawyers for Michael McLeod say the New Jersey Devils forward has been charged with sexual assault in connection to allegations involving Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team.
David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein of Toronto law firm Greenspan Humphrey Weinstein said in a statement that McLeod has been charged by police in London, Ont.
The lawyers say McLeod will plead not guilty and will “vigorously defend the case.”
The evidence in the case has not been tested in court.
McLeod is one of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior squad who recently went on indefinite leave from their pro clubs amid a report that five members of that roster were asked to surrender to face sexual assault charges.
A lawyer for former NHL player Alex Formenton confirmed Sunday that his client has been charged in connection with the case, and said Formenton would plead not guilty.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2024.
