Fans Enraged At Flames Organization For Covering Up For Dillion Dube

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Hunter Bowman
January 30, 2024 (9:36 PM)

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While the situation was already widely speculated, TSN has now confirmed the names of all five players asked to surrender to police in London, Ont., in connection with an alleged assault during the 2018 World Juniors where Team Canada clinched gold.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the way the Calgary Flames worded an announcement linked to the incident has drawn criticism from fans.

The players identified to turn themselves in are Alex Formenton (Ambri-Piotta), Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers), Michael McLeod (New Jersey Devils), Cal Foote (NJD), and Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames). All five took leaves of absence from their respective teams in the past nine days. While the other four teams provided no specific reason for the leaves, the Calgary Flames stated that Dube took the break to attend to his mental health.

This disclosure has irked fans, with many questioning whether the Flames were aware in advance and if they attempted to conceal details of the investigation.

"Disgusted by the flames org for covering it up as 'mental health.'"

"I know it's been brought up a bunch but now that it's confirmed that Dube was one of the 5 it can't be overstated how shitty it was of the Flames to frame his absence as 'mental health related.' Unbelievably scummy. How hard was it to say 'he's away for personal reasons?'"

"Reminder that the @NHLFlames organization BLATANTLY LIED and said Dillon Dube was on leave for 'mental health reasons.' Disgusting. There have been fines for far less."

As noted by hockey reporter Mike Stephens, the Flames' actions leave few options for interpretation.

"There are three options here: the Flames didn't know anything at all, Dube lied to the Flames, or the Flames did know and tried to spin his leave of absence as mental health related."

If option 3 is accurate, it reflects poorly on the Calgary Flames and the NHL. It's hard to believe the teams involved had no knowledge before the leaves were taken, and this may come to light, especially if the league faces inquiries from reporters.

Source: Bladeofsteel