London Ontario Police are expected to hold a press conference on Feb. 5 to provide an update into their investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team.

The police announced the press conference hours after the Globe and Mail reported five members of the 2018 world junior team have been ordered to turn themselves in to face sexual assault charges.

"We understand that there is significant public interest in relation to a sexual assault investigation dating back to 2018," police state in a news release issued yesterday afternoon. "While we are unable to provide an update at this time, we anticipate that the London Police Service will hold a press conference on Monday, February 5, 2024, to share further details."

The pending charges stem back to an alleged group sexual assault of a woman in June 2018, following a fundraising gala in London, ON celebrating the team’s gold medal at the 2018 World Juniors.

The initial investigation was closed in 2019 but reopened after a public outcry in 2022.

None of the players have yet to be named.

This week, five members of the 2018 team have taken leaves from their respective teams this week, citing personal and mental health reasons. They include Alex Formenton from the Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta, Carter Hart from the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube from the Calgary Flames, and Cal Foote and Michael McLeod of the New Jersey Devils.