Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, addressed the ongoing trial of five former world junior hockey players accused of sexual assault, emphasizing the league's commitment to let the judicial process unfold without interference. He articulated that the allegations are deeply concerning, reaffirming the league's position against such behavior. The players in question, including prominent names like Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, and Dillon Dubé, face serious charges stemming from an incident in 2018. Bettman refrained from commenting on the potential return of these players to the league if acquitted, suggesting that any decisions would be contingent on the trial's outcome.

As the trial approaches its closing arguments, questions linger regarding the players' futures in the NHL. Bettman noted that the league's investigation results remain confidential, and discussions with the NHL Players’ Association are ongoing to address the situation appropriately. Notably, Carter Hart has testified in his defense and remains eligible to play as a free agent. The league's response to the allegations and the players' legal outcomes will significantly impact the landscape of NHL player conduct and governance.

The ongoing trial involving five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey team is drawing significant attention as Taylor Raddysh, currently with the Washington Capitals, testifies remotely. The players facing allegations, including Michael McLeod and Carter Hart, have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault related to an incident in June 2018 at a London hotel.

Raddysh's testimony revealed that while he was present during the gala celebrating their championship, he has limited recollections of the events of that night. He mentioned seeing McLeod and another teammate in a hotel room with a woman but could not recall the specifics, raising questions about the incident's circumstances and the implications for the athletes involved.

In a shocking upset at the World Junior Championship, Latvia triumphed over Canada, marking their first-ever victory against the North American powerhouse. The match ended in a nail-biting 3-2 shootout, with Latvia's Linards Feldbergs delivering an outstanding performance, making 55 saves on 57 shots. This win is particularly significant as it comes after a long history of struggle for the Latvian team, which previously held a 0-27 record against Canada in round-robin play.

Canada's Matthew Schaefer was sidelined early in the game due to injury, leading to Edmonton Oilers prospect Beau Akey stepping in. Despite his efforts, including one shot on goal, the team could not secure the victory. Just a year ago, Canada had decisively defeated Latvia 10-0, making this turnaround a remarkable full-circle moment for both teams.

Latvia's journey in the tournament has been impressive, as they had previously broken their losing streak with a win over Czechia in 2022. The team now faces another challenge against Team USA, while Canada looks to regroup before their next match against Germany. The unexpected performance by Latvia has raised eyebrows, hinting at their potential to continue surprising opponents.