The law firm representing Carter Hart confirmed that he’ll be charged with one count of sexual assault, writing this in an official statement:

“We act for Carter Hart and confirm he has been charged with one count of sexual assault. He is innocent and will provide a full response to this false allegation in the proper forum, a court of law. Until then, we have no comment.”

A press conference is scheduled for next week in London, Ontario, where police will officially announce these charges. Hart is one of five members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors team who are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room following a fundraising event in the summer of 2018. Initially investigated by London police, the case was closed in February of 2019 with no charges, but the investigation was reopened in 2022.

The lawyers for the other four players, Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote, confirmed to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that their clients would be pleading not guilty, and maintain their innocence.

When the Flyers announced that Hart was taking a leave of absence, there was no reason specified, but the Calgary Flames initially said Dillon Dube was granted leave “while he attends to his mental health.” That resulted in push back, and the team followed up with a second statement, saying this:

“We have now become aware of the charge of sexual assault that has been laid against Dillon Dube. 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.”

RE: the Flyers, there hasn’t been anything said since Danny Briere read a prepared statement at last week’s media availability. Sam Ersson is the starter moving forward and Cal Petersen the backup. They’re currently on break for the All Star Game.