Editor’s note: This story contains mentions of sexual assault. Please proceed with caution.
The 2018 Hockey Canada investigation continues to unravel at a rapid pace, with TSN‘s report Tuesday that four NHL players have been directed to surrender to London, Ontario police to be charged with sexual assault.
According to TSN‘s Rick Westhead, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube, and New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote are set to be charged with sexual assault in connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation. The years-long investigation into Hockey Canada stems from the alleged sexual assault of a woman by five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team during a gala in June of that year.
Alex Formenton — former NHL player with the Ottawa Senators and current player in the Swiss National League — also surrendered to the London police as part of the Hockey Canada investigation.
While the hockey world awaits the next steps of this investigation, NHL fans are incensed at how the Flames seemingly handled Dube’s involvement in the case. On January 21, the Flames announced that Dube was stepping away from the team indefinitely “while he attends to his mental health.”
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 21, 2024
Mental health is a serious issue that impacts athletes and others alike. It’s possible Dube is also dealing with mental health issues during this time or the team wasn’t aware of the allegations when the statement was made. But the Flames’ ambiguous statement on the matter reflects poorly in light of this latest news.
Mental health issues are not a shield to be used to deflect away from sexual assault allegations. If the Flames knew about Dube’s connection to the investigation and allegations against him, they could have crafted a press release without using mental health as the crux of his absence, much like the Flyers did for Hart’s leave.
Per Philadelphia Flyers General Manager, Daniel Briere:
"Carter Hart has requested and been granted an indefinite leave of absence citing personal reasons. The club will have no further comment at this time." pic.twitter.com/jC1GyxcKWR
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 23, 2024
After Tuesday’s news broke, NHL fans took to social media to express their abject disappointment with the Flames’ handling of Dube and the Hockey Canada investigation.
Flames need to apologize for classifying Dube’s leave as for mental health reasons. Entirely unacceptable and inappropriate https://t.co/c6tHBYRpHm
— Nick (@NickZararis) January 30, 2024
there are three options here: the Flames didn’t know anything at all, Dube lied to the Flames, or the Flames did know and tried to spin his leave of absence as mental health related https://t.co/2cqCmqRPqm
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) January 30, 2024
The Calgary Flames need to answer for labelling Dillon Dubé's leave as 'mental health' reasons.
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) January 30, 2024
That Flames statement on why Dube left the team is …. Not good. https://t.co/isouvaSGjE
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) January 30, 2024
Truly grotesque that the Calgary Flames would label Dillon Dubé's absence as being for mental health reasons.
— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) January 30, 2024
I hope the Calgary Flames address the fact that they used mental health as an excuse to cover for Dillon Dube.
A whole three days of cover for Dube was not worth it for the inevitable damage it now causes other players, and people, who need mental help. https://t.co/pbH4ezJko9
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) January 30, 2024
shame on the calgary flames for saying dillon dube was leaving to “attend to his mental health” https://t.co/N7fclGImls
— Annie O’D⚡️ (@sweetannieod) January 30, 2024
The Calgary #Flames need to be grilled on why they labeled Dubes leave as a “mental health” leave. And they better have very very clear answers.
— Aman Kurji (@AmanKurji) January 30, 2024
Hey @NHLFlames, thank you for covering up Dube’s absence with mental health as the excuse!
Consistently for my entire life you have disappointed our fanbase but I can honestly say I’ve never been more upset than I am today. How dare you use mental health to cover this https://t.co/NUQC4kHTVx
— Will Baldwin (@TheWillBaldwin) January 30, 2024
the flames need to apologize IMMEDIATELY for saying dube left the team for mental health reasons.
using an issue that many people struggle with as a cover up for him leaving for literal sexual assault is not okay in the slightest, in fact, it’s disgusting. https://t.co/9GRRF1H0iT
— kirsten (@mostlyonpoint) January 30, 2024
That the Flames said Dube's leave was for mental health reasons is gross, and insulting to players actually taking leave for that reason. https://t.co/YPpw6cegdZ
— Andrew Schnittker (@aschnitt53) January 30, 2024
Probably one of those statements that will go down forever as one of the worst own goals an organization could have made: https://t.co/9JfDu4sRQL pic.twitter.com/YZvtAJS8HL
— Sydney Bauer (@femme_thoughts) January 30, 2024
