London, Ont. | May 18, 2025 — A judge has declared a mistrial in the high-profile sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team, citing procedural irregularities and jury misconduct during deliberations.
The Ontario Superior Court was packed Tuesday morning as Justice Marianne Rollins delivered the decision after a tense week of closed-door hearings. The mistrial ruling comes after reports surfaced that at least two jurors had accessed media coverage of the trial despite repeated warnings.
“The integrity of the jury process has been compromised,” Justice Rollins said in her ruling. “A fair and impartial trial is a cornerstone of our justice system, and unfortunately that standard was not upheld.”
The accused — whose identities were subject to a publication ban for the duration of the trial — have all maintained their innocence since being charged in early 2024. The Crown had alleged that the five men were involved in a group assault that took place in a downtown London hotel room following a Hockey Canada event in 2018.
The trial, which lasted seven weeks, featured emotional testimony from the complainant, expert witnesses, and former Hockey Canada officials. Evidence included text messages, surveillance footage, and forensic reports.
Crown ‘Disappointed but Respectful’
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Crown prosecutor James Ng said the mistrial was a “significant setback” but emphasized that the Crown would consider its next steps carefully.
“We remain committed to justice in this matter,” Ng said. “While we are disappointed, we respect the court’s decision and will review the ruling to determine how to proceed.”
Defense Calls for Dismissal
Lawyers representing the accused, meanwhile, suggested the mistrial points to larger issues with the case’s foundation.
“This entire trial has been burdened by intense media scrutiny, leaks, and public presumption,” said Carla Bouchard, attorney for one of the defendants. “It’s time to ask whether this prosecution should proceed at all.”
Public Reaction Mixed
Reaction to the mistrial has been swift and divided. Advocates for survivors expressed outrage on social media, calling for judicial reform and stronger protections for complainants in sexual assault cases.
Meanwhile, some supporters of the accused claim the trial should never have gone forward, arguing there was insufficient evidence from the outset.
What Happens Next?
A decision on whether the Crown will retry the case is expected in the coming weeks. Legal experts say that while a mistrial does not equal an acquittal, it can make retrial proceedings more complicated, particularly when public opinion is sharply polarized.
In the meantime, the case continues to cast a long shadow over Hockey Canada, which has faced public and political backlash for its handling of the allegations since they first came to light.
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