Flyers GM Daniel Briere speaks about Carter Hart’s absence amidst London police investigation

The Philadelphia Flyers held a mid-season press conference on Wednesday morning, however, general manager Daniel Briere opened up with a statement on goalie Carter Hart.

Briere made the opening statement that NHL has told teams to direct any questions regarding investigation and report on Hockey Canada to the league. The Flyers have to respect investigation without comment.

”We are aware of this morning’s press reports on the very serious matter. We will respond appropriately when the outcomes of the investigation are made public. The NHL has been very clear that teams should refer all investigation-related questions to them.”

“That’s all I can say for the moment, unfortunately,” Briere added before continuing with questions on the Flyers’ season and plans ahead of the trade deadline.

On Tuesday, the team announced that Hart, who was a member of the 2018 WJC Team Canada, had left the team for personal reasons. Hart has no timetable for his return. This came just days after the Calgary Flames announced that Dillion Dube was stepping away from the game to focus on his mental health. He too was a member of the 2018 roster for Team Canada.

Earlier this morning, the Globe and Mail reported that five former players from the 2018 world junior hockey team have been told to surrender to London, Ont., police to face charges of sexual assault. The Globe reports the players, who have not been charged yet and remain anonymous, have been given a set period of time to present themselves at London police headquarters. Two sources have provided the information to the Globe and Mail.

Ottawa Senators reserve list player Alex Formenton is now said to be returning to Canada, according to Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta, and has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team. He too was a member of the 2018 Team Canada WJC team, though he has not played in the NHL since 2022.

Fans have been waiting for several months now on an official announcement from the NHL vis-a-vis suspensions for players involved in the 2018 sexual assault scandal. It has been reported that at least “5 players” will be facing NHL suspensions in the 2018 Team Canada sex scandal. You may recall how news broke that Hockey Canada quietly settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by eight unnamed players, including several members of the country’s 2018 world junior team, following a gala in London, Ontario.

Carter and Dube had made statements though they did not allegedly provide an alibi. Formenton was the lone player that did not made any comments or statement, nor has he been publicly named or charged.

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