NHL fans were in disbelief as a shocking breakthrough emerged in the Hockey Canada scandal investigation, leaving them questioning the timing of Dube and Hart’s leaves of absence. The revelation sent shockwaves through the hockey community, instigated by an influential tweet from journalist Rick Westhead of The Sports Network. According to Westhead, five members of the 2018 world junior hockey team have been instructed to surrender to London, Ont., police to face charges of sexual assault, as reported by The Globe and Mail from undisclosed sources. Although the players have not been formally charged, they have been given a specific period to present themselves at the London police headquarters.
Breaking: Five members of the 2018 world junior hockey team have been told to surrender to London, Ont., police to face charges of sexual assault, The Globe and Mail reports, citing unnamed sources.
The Globe reports the players, who have not been charged yet, have been given a…
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) January 24, 2024
Fans React with Suspicion over Timing
NHL fans swiftly caught wind of the news, prompting a wave of reactions on social media. One fan expressed suspicion, remarking,
“The timing of Dube and Hart’s leaves seems incredibly suspicious now.”
Dube and Hart timing seems incredibly suspicious now
— Kyle Treats 🦬 (@KyleTreats) January 24, 2024
The shocking revelation further fueled concerns about the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct within hockey, leading one fan to assert that those involved in covering up such incidents should also face charges. This disturbing culture has driven some fans away from the sport, with one individual sharing their personal experience of leaving hockey due to its failure to address these issues adequately.
Anyone who helped cover this up should also be charged this culture of sexual deviance in hockey made me leave hockey in Junior B not to even watch it for a decade I tried telling the league cops but they all said not much to go on. Thought I was sour grapes for not getting ice.
— hockeynut (@snowmanonfire) January 24, 2024
Timing Raises Eyebrows
The timing of Dube and Carter’s leaves of absence did not go unnoticed by fans, with one commenting,
“The timing with Dube and Carter on leave is interesting…”
The timing with Dube and Carter on leave is interesting…
— RGF (@rgfray1) January 24, 2024
Fans began connecting the dots, suggesting a potential link between the players’ departures and the emerging scandal. One astute fan observed,
“Dube takes a leave of absence, 24 hours later Hart takes a leave of absence, 24 hours after that this comes out. It’s all connected.”
Dube takes a leave of absence, 24 hours later Hart takes a leave of absence, 24 hours after that this comes out. It’s all connected.
— matt🔥 (@mattallarie) January 24, 2024
Philadelphia Flyers Goalie Takes Indefinite Leave
In the midst of the Hockey Canada scandal investigation, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has taken an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, as confirmed by Flyers GM Daniel Briere. Hart, who has had a mixed performance this season, requested the leave citing personal reasons, leaving his return date unspecified.
Briere said.
“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.”
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
The 25-year-old goaltender has faced high expectations to solidify his position among the league’s top netminders, but his performance has not seen significant improvement. This leave of absence adds further uncertainty to his future with the Flyers, especially with his contract set to expire in 2024.
Speculation Surrounding Hart’s Departure
As fans and media speculate on the reasons behind Hart’s departure, concerns have been raised about the immense pressures faced by the young goaltender. Furthermore, veteran reporter Steve Simmons suggests a potential connection between Hart’s leave and Hockey Canada’s upcoming release of a sexual assault investigation involving Hart and Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames. Both players have vehemently denied any involvement in the scandal, but the speculation surrounding them continues to grow.
Editor’s Note
The revelations surrounding the Hockey Canada scandal have sent shockwaves through the NHL community, leaving fans and players questioning the timing of events and the culture that allowed such misconduct to persist. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to support the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The impact of this scandal on the sport and its players cannot be understated, emphasizing the need for a Comprehensive examination of the systemic issues within hockey.
