Judge declares mistrial in Hockey Canada sexual assault case

LONDON, Ontario (AP) — A judge declared a mistrial Friday in the sexual assault case involving five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team.

The ruling from a judge in Ontario means a new trial will be held for Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote, who have all pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault.

The trial began Wednesday and the prosecution’s first witness only briefly took the stand before testimony was put on hold for legal arguments that took place in the absence of the jury.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia brought jurors back Friday morning and informed them that they were being discharged.

The charges against the players relate to an encounter that took place in a hotel room in Ontario in June 2018 when many of the team’s members were in London for a Hockey Canada gala.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Dillon Dube, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault last year for an incident that allegedly took place in June 2018, arrives at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP)

Michael McLeod, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault last year for an incident that allegedly took place in June 2018, arrives at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP)

Carter Hart, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault last year for an incident that allegedly took place in June 2018, arrives at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP)

Alex Formenton, second from right, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault last year for an incident that allegedly took place in June 2018, arrives at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP)

Cal Foote, one of five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault last year for an incident that allegedly took place in June 2018, arrives at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press via AP)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)