By Canadian Press

Junior hockey players’ trial a chance to discuss sex, masculinity with youth: experts

Jul 25, 2025 | 12:42 PM

TORONTO — The acquittal of five former junior hockey players after a tumultuous and high-profile sexual assault trial is sparking a renewed conversation about how young people are being educated about sex and masculinity.

Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote were found not guilty on Thursday in connection to a group encounter with a young woman in a London, Ont., hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018.

University of Calgary professor Michael Kehler says it is common for young men to be shown narrow scripts for masculinity, especially in team sports settings where there is a focus on physical domination.

He says coaches and parents should offer young people opportunities to speak up when uncomfortable situations arise, and challenge stereotypes about masculinity that are common in locker rooms.

Jonathon Reed, a director with Next Gen Boys, says many boys who are drawn to the hockey world use their experiences there as a foundation to think about what kind of person they’re going to become.

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He says the trial has prompted a critical opportunity for cultural and generational change across the board.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2025.

Cassidy McMackon, The Canadian Press