The Calgary Flames said in a statement Tuesday that the club was unaware that forward Dillon Dube would be facing a criminal charge when he was granted a leave of absence earlier this month.
"We have now become aware of the charge of sexual assault that has been laid against Dillon Dube," the statement reads. "We take this matter very seriously. Because the matter is now pending legal proceedings, we will have no further comment at this time.
"We had no knowledge of pending charges at the time Dillon’s request for a leave of absence was granted."
Two lawyers representing Dube confirmed to Sportsnet on Tuesday that their client had been charged with sexual assault by police in London, Ont. Dube is one of five players from the 2018 Canadian World Juniors team facing charges.
“The London Police Service have charged Mr. Dubé with sexual assault,” Louis P. Strezos and Kaleigh Davidson said in a statement. “He will plead not guilty and maintains his innocence. He will defend the allegations in court. We ask that you respect the privacy of Mr. Dubé and that of his family. There will be no further comment at this time.”
The Flames announced on Jan. 21 that Dube had been granted an indefinite leave of absence to deal with his mental health. The Flames said at the time that Dube was "under the care of medical professionals." Dube sat out a game with an illness the day before his leave was granted.
In May 2022, it was revealed that a woman had alleged in a lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted by eight men, including members of the 2018 men’s world junior team, in London in June 2018. Hockey Canada settled the lawsuit with the woman, known only as E.M., for an undisclosed sum before the allegations came to light. Hockey Canada's handling of the suit led to a national reckoning for the organization, including hearings in Ottawa and turnover of its leadership.
A year ago, London police filed an application with the Ontario Court of Justice stating they had reasonable grounds to believe five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team had sexually assaulted a woman.
None of the allegations against the five players charged have been tested in court.
When reached by Sportsnet on Tuesday, both the NHL and NHLPA declined to comment on the latest developments.
The London Police have a press conference scheduled for Feb. 5 to provide an update on the case.
The Flames selected Dube in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft and he has been a member of the team for the past six seasons.
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