As Hart questioned about intent and group message, he appears to shift responsibility onto Michael McLeod in the 2018 Hockey Canada assault trial

Carter Hart, testifying as a defense witness in the high-profile 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. This was pressed by Crown prosecutors over his actions and decisions on the night of the alleged assault. During questioning, Hart admitted to replying to a group text from teammate Michael McLeod that invited players to his hotel room. Hart responded affirmatively, though he claimed he believed the invitation was meant specifically for him. The message was sent to the entire team and suggested a planned sexual encounter. Despite that, Hart stated he didn’t interpret it as a group proposition, he also conceded he never asked about the woman’s age. Also, her sobriety or interest before arriving at the room. During the proceedings, Hart was unable to recall key details from that night. He admitted to drinking and being hopeful for sexual encounters, though he claimed not to have fully decided on participating when he responded to the message. When asked about McLeod’s clothing at the scene, Hart gave conflicting answers. One of the most revealing moments came when Hart acknowledged he relied heavily on McLeod to make the situation morally acceptable. When asked if he trusted McLeod to arrange something appropriate, Hart simply said yes. This remark seemed to shift responsibility. This suggests McLeod played a leading role in organizing the encounter. He could not explain why he tried to bring more players into the room, particularly Dante Fabbro, other than to give the woman a reason to stay.Read more: “There’s some DNA that has to change in our team,” Toronto Maple Leafs need management to mirror the fire it wants from playersHart’s testimony, while defensive, opened new lines of inquiry and potentially placed greater scrutiny on McLeod. The trial continues as the court works to unravel what truly occurred that night in the London hotel room.Carter Hart testified in Hockey Canada's assault trial, admitting to group texts for a hotel encounter but claimed memory gaps, shifting moral responsibility to McLeod.