NHL fans bashed the Flames for Dillon Dube’s ‘mental health’ leave of absence in wake of Hockey Canada investigation
Editor’s note: This story contains mentions of sexual assault. Please proceed with caution.
The 2018 Hockey Canada investigation continues to unravel at a rapid pace, with TSN‘s report Tuesday that four NHL players have been directed to surrender to London, Ontario police to be charged with sexual assault.
According to TSN‘s Rick Westhead, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube, and New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote are set to be charged with sexual assault in connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation. The years-long investigation into Hockey Canada stems from the alleged sexual assault of a woman by five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior team during a gala in June of that year.
Alex Formenton — former NHL player with the Ottawa Senators and current player in the Swiss National League — also surrendered to the London police as part of the Hockey Canada investigation.
While the hockey world awaits the next steps of this investigation, NHL fans are incensed at how the Flames seemingly handled Dube’s involvement in the case. On January 21, the Flames announced that Dube was stepping away from the team indefinitely “while he attends to his mental health.”
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) January 21, 2024
Mental health is a serious issue that impacts athletes and others alike. It’s possible Dube is also dealing with mental health issues during this time or the team wasn’t aware of the allegations when the statement was made. But the Flames’ ambiguous statement on the matter reflects poorly in light of this latest news.
Mental health issues are not a shield to be used to deflect away from sexual assault allegations. If the Flames knew about Dube’s connection to the investigation and allegations against him, they could have crafted a press release without using mental health as the crux of his absence, much like the Flyers did for Hart’s leave.
Per Philadelphia Flyers General Manager, Daniel Briere:
"Carter Hart has requested and been granted an indefinite leave of absence citing personal reasons. The club will have no further comment at this time." pic.twitter.com/jC1GyxcKWR
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 23, 2024
After Tuesday’s news broke, NHL fans took to social media to express their abject disappointment with the Flames’ handling of Dube and the Hockey Canada investigation.