The Calgary Flames stated in an announcement Tuesday that the membership was unaware that ahead Dillon Dube can be going through a felony cost when he was granted a depart of absence earlier this month.
“We have now now grow to be conscious of the cost of sexual assault that has been laid towards Dillon Dube,” the assertion reads. “We take this matter very severely. As a result of the matter is now pending authorized proceedings, we can have no additional remark right now.
“We had no data of pending fees on the time Dillon’s request for a depart of absence was granted.”
Two legal professionals representing Dube confirmed to Sportsnet on Tuesday that their shopper had been charged with sexual assault by police in London, Ont. Dube is one in every of 5 gamers from the 2018 Canadian World Juniors group going through fees.
“The London Police Service have charged Mr. Dubé with sexual assault,” Louis P. Strezos and Kaleigh Davidson stated in an announcement. “He’ll plead not responsible and maintains his innocence. He’ll defend the allegations in court docket. We ask that you simply respect the privateness of Mr. Dubé and that of his household. There will probably be no additional remark right now.”
The Flames introduced on Jan. 21 that Dube had been granted an indefinite depart of absence to cope with his psychological well being. The Flames stated on the time that Dube was “below the care of medical professionals.” Dube sat out a recreation with an sickness the day earlier than his depart was granted.
In Could 2022, it was revealed {that a} girl had alleged in a lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted by eight males, together with members of the 2018 males’s world junior group, in London in June 2018. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit with the girl, identified solely as E.M., for an undisclosed sum earlier than the allegations got here to gentle. Hockey Canada’s dealing with of the swimsuit led to a nationwide reckoning for the group, together with hearings in Ottawa and turnover of its management.
A 12 months in the past, London police filed an utility with the Ontario Court docket of Justice stating they’d affordable grounds to imagine 5 members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior group had sexually assaulted a girl.
Not one of the allegations towards the 5 gamers charged have been examined in court docket.
When reached by Sportsnet on Tuesday, each the NHL and NHLPA declined to touch upon the newest developments.
The London Police have a press convention scheduled for Feb. 5 to offer an replace on the case.
The Flames chosen Dube within the second spherical of the 2016 NHL Draft and he has been a member of the group for the previous six seasons.
