Hockey Club Barys signs Michael MacLeod amid serious allegations
Hockey Club Barys has signed Canadian player Michael MacLeod to a contract lasting until May 31, 2025. The announcement comes as MacLeod faces serious allegations of sexual assault stemming from a 2018 incident in Ontario, Kazinform correspondent reports.
The criminal act that occurred is linked to the celebration following the victory of the Canadian junior hockey team at the world championship. According to the prosecution, MacLeod and several other players are accused of sexually assaulting a woman during that event.
Initially, the police closed the case in 2018. However, following public outcry, the investigation was reopened in 2022. Hockey Canada settled with the victim, who remains anonymous, for $3.5 million, but the accused players faced no immediate legal consequences. In January 2024, formal charges were brought against MacLeod and four other athletes. MacLeod faces charges of sexual assault and additional allegations for his role in the crime.
Oleg Bolyakin, the general manager of Barys, addressed the situation, saying to sportmail.ru: "Anticipating questions about the proceedings involving him in Canada, I would like to say that Michael has not admitted guilt and will defend his interests in court. In the future, we would like to refrain from commenting. Now, first and foremost, we consider MacLeod as the first center, who is capable of becoming not only the leader of Barys, but also one of the most recognizable players in the entire KHL."
MacLeod, who has joined Barys, and already has been assigned as player number 90, has denied the allegations and plans to contest the charges in court. The team confirmed that MacLeod has yet to arrive in Astana.
The court proceedings will be conducted before the judge and a jury.
