Years of speculation followed the case — but after revived investigations amid reports Hockey Canada used players' registration fees to pay sexual abuse settlements, it was reopened and made public.

An Ontario judge acquitted five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team on Thursday in their sexual assault case, saying the complainant's allegations lacked the credibility needed to justify the charges.

A Superior Court Justice said prosecutors could not meet the onus of proof for the charges against Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote.