In a significant legal development, five former players of Canada’s junior hockey team have been acquitted of sexual assault charges by a judge, who cited a lack of substantial evidence. The trial, which has attracted considerable attention and stirred public debate regarding sexual assault laws and their application, concluded with the judge stating that the onus of proof was not met. The players, including former Flyers goalie Carter Hart, are currently ineligible to return to the NHL pending a review of the case. Reactions from local advocates highlight ongoing concerns about survivor support in high-profile sex assault cases.