The Decibel Why the players were acquitted in the Hockey Canada trial
Jul 25, 2025
Robyn Doolittle, a dedicated Globe reporter, has been following the Hockey Canada case since 2022 and was present for the recent verdict. She delves into the acquittal of five players charged with sexual assault, unpacking the judge's reasoning and the complex issues of consent and coercion involved. Doolittle also explores societal attitudes towards sexual assault and the implications for sports organizations, highlighting the need for better investigations and support for complainants in the wake of high-profile cases.
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Judge Found Complainant Not Credible
- Justice Karasia declared early in the verdict that the complainant EM was not credible or reliable.
- This finding led to the judge concluding the Crown did not meet its burden of proof.
Judge Rejected Fear Testimony
- The judge rejected EM's claim that she was afraid and dissociated during the incident.
- Videos of EM during the event showed her appearing composed, which contradicted her fear testimony.
Judge Saw EM As Instigator
- The judge accepted the players' narratives that EM was the instigator of sexual activity.
- EM's memory gaps and coping mechanisms led her to fill in assumptions that weakened her credibility.