Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault
The jury will not sit Thursday in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team.
Justice Maria Carroccia told the jury that one of the jurors was sick.
“I will release you and I anticipate the juror will be back tomorrow, so we should be able to continue the trial tomorrow,” said Carroccia.
The trial was expected to hear more testimony Thursday from Taylor Raddysh, an NHL player who was also on the 2018 world junior team.
Raddysh, who plays for the Washington Capitals and has not been accused of any wrongdoing, took the stand remotely from Arlington, Va., on Wednesday afternoon.
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have all pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an encounter in a London, Ont., hotel room in June 2018.
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McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
On Wednesday, Raddysh told the court he remembers very little about the night of the alleged incident, when many of the team’s members were in town for a gala celebrating the team’s championship victory.
He said he remembers seeing McLeod and another teammate, Boris Katchouk, in McLeod’s hotel room with a woman but can’t recall how the woman was positioned or if she was wearing clothes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found on the website for Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada.
Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419
24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010
Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648
Read about your rights as a victim here.