Breaking: In a trial gripping Canada’s sports community, Taylor Raddysh, a Washington Capitals player, testified today that he received texts from Michael McLeod on June 19, 2018, offering oral sex, as five former World Junior Hockey players face sexual assault charges following an alleged incident involving a 20-year-old woman in a London, Ont., hotel room. Raddysh, appearing remotely, confirmed seeing explicit group chat messages and videos from the night in question, before detailing an off-ice team dynamic led by captain Dillon Dubé. The trial continues.
Breaking News: Raddysh Takes Stand in Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial, Details Text Messages
NHL’s Raddysh Testifies in Sensitive Hockey Canada Trial
In a significant development in the ongoing Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, Washington Capitals forward Taylor Raddysh took the stand remotely on Wednesday, offering insights into the night of June 18-19, 2018, and the dynamics of the 2018 Canadian World Juniors team.
Raddysh Details Text Messages, Group Chat
Raddysh testified about text messages exchanged with Michael McLeod, one of the five defendants. Early on June 19, McLeod sent Raddysh messages offering oral sex, to which Raddysh did not respond. At approximately 2:10 a.m., McLeod sent a message to a group chat of 19 team members suggesting a threesome. Carter Hart responded “I’m in” at 2:19.
Did you know? The group chat included 19 members of the 2018 World Juniors team.
Raddysh acknowledged receiving these messages but was unable to recall exactly when he saw them. He described the term “gummer” used in the exchange as meaning “oral sex”.
Video Evidence and Jurors’ Perspective
Previously, the court has viewed surveillance videos showing the complainant, the five players accused in the case, and other team members at a bar and at the hotel. The jury was shown selfies and videos taken by McLeod, including one featuring the complainant in the early morning hours of June 19.
Pro Tip: Video evidence in sports-related trials has become increasingly important. Witnesses like Raddysh can corroborate or challenge the narrative shown in such footage.
Raddysh’s Memories of the Night
Raddysh appeared nervous while recounting his memories of the night in question. He told the court he did not recall returning to the hotel or specific interactions, despite mentions of McLeod and Boris Katchouk knocking on his room. He remembered McLeod’s room having McLeod, Katchouk, and “a woman” present but couldn’t recall further details.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
On Thursday, Raddysh’s testimony will continue, delving into events following the alleged incident, including a text exchange about an investigation into “that night in London”. The trial will likely involve more witness testimonies and exhibits, including group chat messages and photos of the hotel room.
FAQs about the Hockey Canada Trial
- Who are the players accused in the case?
- Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote.
- What are the charges against them?
- They are facing sexual assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in a London, Ont., hotel room in June 2018.
- When were the players arraigned?
- All five players pleaded not guilty when arraigned in Ontario Superior Court last week.
Stay Engaged, Stay Informed
As the trial progresses, stay tuned to 247sports.new for more updates and insights into this sensitive case. Your voice matters – share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
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