WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.
The sexual assault trial of five players who were on Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team isn’t just being followed closely in sports circles and by advocates against gender-based violence.
The legal community is also watching the proceedings, where there have been many dramatic developments since they began in late April in London, Ont.
The accused men — who all at one time had NHL careers — are Cal Foote, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod. All have pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from allegations by the complainant, E.M., and their time at a London hotel in June 2018 following a Hockey Canada gala to celebrate the hockey team’s world title.
CBC News spoke to three lawyers who are not involved in the case but …