Content Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault.
After an enormous amount of speculation and a lack of details on the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation, Rick Westhead has confirmed the players involved. This has significant impacts on not only the NHL, but the Calgary Flames specifically.
Dillon Dube was one of the five players that have been directed to surrender to the London Police to be charged with sexual assault. Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and the previously reported Alex Formenton are the other players noted to be surrendering to the police.
A formal press conference will be held on Monday to update the public on the case.
Dube’s involvement and history
This news comes as both expected and a shock to the Calgary community. Dube, who was the captain of the 2018 team, previously released a statement regarding his involvement with the investigation:
“I’ve cooperated in any way possible and will continue cooperating. I’ve done everything I can to cooperate.”
– Dillon Dube
At the time, most players were releasing similar statements and there wasn’t much thought until more information was available on the case. Just over a week ago, the Calgary Flames announced that Dube would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team to attend to his mental health.
In case the above tweet gets removed, the full statement from the Flames is as follows:
Dillon Dube has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team while he attends to his mental health. Dillon is under the care of health professionals, and we request that Dillon’s privacy is respected during this period.
Flames statement on Dillon Dube.
With the announcement around other players taking leaves of absence shortly after, the rumours started to link Dube to the investigation, which is now confirmed. The statement, timing, and reaction from those in the organization didn’t align with the news being reported today, which surely will be discussed in the coming days.
It would be wise not to speculate on what may or may not have been discussed with the organization, agent, or player behind closed doors, rather the focus shifts to leaning more on Rick Westhead and other journalists reporting on the matter.
More to come on this story in the future.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
