Hockey Canada blocked from releasing report on 2018 World Juniors investigation

This just in, Hockey Canada has concluded its investigation into sexual assault allegations against members of Team Canada's 2018 World Junior Championships team but the results of the investigation are being withheld due to appeal.

Hockey Canada states that a three-member panel reached a decision on sanctions and penalties regarding the allegations, but that they cannot release details until the player-initiated appeal has concluded.

So, in layman's terms Hockey Canada found out what happened and are ready to punish the offenders, but they're under a legal gag order until the appeal process plays out in court.

From Hockey Canada:

CALGARY, Alberta – In November 2022, an independent adjudicative panel was provided with Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP’s final investigative report regarding allegations against the 2018 National Junior Team in June 2018. The panel was tasked with holding a hearing with a view to determining whether certain members of the 2018 National Junior Team breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, and if so, what sanctions should be imposed against those players.

That hearing is complete and the panel has provided its final adjudicative report to all involved parties.

Shortly thereafter, a notice of appeal was filed, as is permitted under Hockey Canada’s Investigation and Adjudication Procedures. As the appeal process, which we anticipate will begin in the near future, will be conducted in-camera, we are not able to share details of the report, including its findings at this time to ensure that we do not interfere with the integrity of the appeal process.

Hockey Canada has cooperated fully with the London Police Service throughout its investigation and we are committed to continuing to support the legal process. We confirmed with the London Police Service in advance that an announcement concerning the independent adjudicative panel will not affect its investigation.

Pending the completion of the appeal process, all players from the 2018 National Junior Team remain suspended by Hockey Canada and are currently ineligible to play, coach, officiate or volunteer with Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.

- Hockey Canada

I have no clue how long these types of appeals take to play out, but this entire scenario just seems so long and drawn out to me. Just more and more stalling until we finally know the truth about what happened. I'd say 'stay tuned' but I'm afraid your eyeballs would fall out of your head watching and waiting for more information.