Surviving the Hockey Canada trial
A special two-part series.
Two extraordinary guests join Kristi to take you through one of the biggest scandals in Canadian sports history. They know what it means to survive not only sexual assault - but the trial itself. And you probably know their stories:
J.B. - aka the "Ottawa woman" who testified against former Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard
Kelly Favro - survivor and advocate from British Columbia who helped re-write Canada's publication ban laws.
As the country reacts to the Hockey Canada trial verdicts delivered last week, J.B. and Kelly share what they saw unfolding, how it mirrors their own experiences, and what the public needs to understand about what victim-complainant “E.M.” may be living through. They also share eye-opening details about shocking courtroom tactics they've endured, and challenge us to rethink what justice really means.
Part 2 will be available in the next few weeks.
Content Warning: While not the focus of this episode, there is brief mention of graphic details of sexual acts, and mention of suicidal thoughts. Please take care when listening.
More information and resources:
Listen to our series:
Kelly Favro’s Story
The Trial of Jacob Hoggard (JB)Read J.B.’s Op-Ed:
When aggressive tactics are praised as legal strategy, it’s survivors like me who pay the price - The Globe and Mail.
OR No paywallLearn about Beyond The Verdict
A new Canadian survivor-led advocacy group co-founded by Kelly Favro and J.B. with support from Kristi Lee.Resources for Sexual Violence and Abuse:
If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual violence and abuse, help is available at REES Community or Ending Violence Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines and Support Services
Cruelty in the courtroom is not justice. Learn more at www.beyondtheverdict.ca.
SOURCES:
COURT DOCUMENT: 2025 ONSC 4319 (CanLII) | R. v. McLeod, et al. | CanLII
https://www.lawnow.org/sexual-assault-is-on-the-rise-in-canada/
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/hockey-canada-toxic-culture-criminal-trial
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-nhl-to-review-hockey-canada-verdict/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/canada-hockey-sexual-assault-case-analysis?
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-trial-missteps-london-nhl/
https://globalnews.ca/news/11299849/timeline-sexual-assault-allegations-world-junior-hockey-players/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-hockey-canada-sex-assault-trial-closing-arguments/
Natalie Portman opens up about experiencing "sexual terrorism" after starring in 'Leon' at 13
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hockey-canada-london-sexual-assault-trial-timeline-1.7553242