Surviving the Hockey Canada trial: Canadian True Crime episode

As the country reacts to the Hockey Canada trial verdicts delivered last week, J.B. and Kelly join Kristi Lee on Canadian True Crime to discuss it.

They share what they saw unfolding, how it mirrors their own experiences, and what the public needs to understand about what victim-complainant “E.M.” may be living through. Kelly and JB also share eye-opening details about shocking courtroom tactics they've endured, and challenge us to rethink what justice really means. 

Part 2 will be available in the next few weeks.

Content Warning: While not the focus of this episode, there is brief mention of graphic details of sexual acts, and mention of suicidal thoughts. Please take care when listening. 

More information and resources:

• Listen to our series:
  Kelly Favro’s Story
  The Trial of Jacob Hoggard (JB)

• Read J.B.’s Op-Ed:
  When aggressive tactics are praised as legal strategy, it’s survivors like me who pay the price - The Globe and Mail.
  OR No paywall

• Learn about Beyond The Verdict
  A new Canadian survivor-led advocacy group co-founded by Kelly Favro and J.B. with support from Kristi Lee. 

• Resources for Sexual Violence and Abuse:
  If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available at REES Community or Ending Violence Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines and Support Services

SOURCES:

Court Document:

2025 ONSC 4319 (CanLII) | R. v. McLeod, et al. | CanLII

News Archives:

https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada-chl-settle-lawsuit-over-alleged-sexual-assault-involving-world-junior-players-1.1804861

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial-verdict-what-to-know/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial-timeline-key-events/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/rape-crisis-centre-calls-rise-world-juniors-trial-london-1.755083

https://www.lawnow.org/sexual-assault-is-on-the-rise-in-canada/

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/hockey-canada-toxic-culture-criminal-trial

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-nhl-to-review-hockey-canada-verdict/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-gary-bettman-wont-say-if-hockey-canada-players-on-trial-for-sexual/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/canada-hockey-sexual-assault-case-analysis?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-trial-missteps-london-nhl/

https://globalnews.ca/news/11299849/timeline-sexual-assault-allegations-world-junior-hockey-players/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sex-assault-trial-closing-arguments/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial-verdict-what-to-know/ 

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/rick-westhead-crown-says-mcleod-lied-to-police-about-alleged-incident-in-london-hotel-room-1.2320162

https://www.thestar.com/news/hockey-canada-complainant-says-she-took-on-porn-star-persona-because-it-seemed-like-that/article_897d0f4b-ea00-48f1-bd0f-de5bd6fb217e.html 

https://www.thestar.com/news/my-truth-what-we-heard-from-the-hockey-canada-sex-assault-complainant-in-nine-days/article_96470133-1fd3-47ae-907a-be4e88dbd364.html 

https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/judge-rules-brett-howden-text-message-inadmissible-at-london-hockey-trial-1.2310910 

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sexual-assault-trial-verdict-reader-questions/ 

Natalie Portman opens up about experiencing "sexual terrorism" after starring in 'Leon' at 13

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hockey-canada-london-sexual-assault-trial-timeline-1.7553242