Lengthy pre-trial resumes in world junior sexual assault case

The legal wrangling in the case against five former Canadian world junior hockey players resumed on Monday morning, as both sides prepare for a long trial.

The legal wrangling in the case against five former Canadian world junior hockey players resumed on Monday morning in London Ont., as both sides prepare for a lengthy trial this spring.

A ban on publication has been placed on the proceedings which were held in-camera.

The five players - all members of the gold medal winning team - are accused of sexual assault.

They were charged following an alleged incident involving a lone female at a downtown London hotel following a Hockey Canada gala in the summer of 2018.

The players charged include Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton.

The lawyers for the players have publicly proclaimed their innocence.

The trial which is scheduled to get underway on April 22, is slated to last 8 weeks.