Hockey Canada has been embroiled in controversy in recent years in response to the allegations of sexual assault, which first went public nearly two years ago after lawyers with the national sport body settled a $3.5-million lawsuit.

Monday February 5th, the criminal proceedings begin in London, Ontario against five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team.

Criminal defense lawyer Joseph Neuberger told Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer, it will be a lengthy process from start to finish.

“I would imagine this would come to trial within the next 18 months,” Neuberger explained, “I’m sure the crown will expedite the disclosure process. We’ve got five accused, so you can imagine it’s going to be a more complex trial because we’ve got five lawyers and testimony and everything, so I think they’re going to try and get it to trial within the next 16 or 18 months.”

Listen to Libby’s full conversation with Joseph Neuberger by clicking here.

Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod have been charged with sexual assault.

Lawyers for the athletes say their clients will defend themselves against the charges, which stem from an alleged incident at a hotel in London in June of 2018 after a Hockey Canada gala