Former Toronto Maple Leaf Dave "Tiger" Williams has been charged with sexual assault and assault.
The allegations are that an incident took place onboard a military flight to Latvia in December 2017.
He was part of a Canadian Armed Forces sanctioned event visiting troops in Latvia.
Lieutenant (Navy) Blake Patterson says the charges were laid on Wednesday. "He was arrested today; the charges were laid on February 7th; he reported to military police today, was arrested, and released on condition."
The charges were laid by military police but the case will make its way through civilian court in Ottawa. "In this case, in consultation with the Crown attorney, it was determined that the appropriate way to proceed was through the civilian justice system and, as a result, it will be brought forth by the Crown attorney in Ottawa," Lieutenant Patterson explains.
In order to protect the privacy of the person who brought the complaint forward there will be no information released on whether they are a civilian or a member of the Canadian military.
A hearing date hasn't been set.
Brendan Shanahan, Toronto Maple Leafs President & Alternate Governor has issued the following statement:
“We were just made aware of the charges against Mr. Williams, a member of our alumni association. First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the incredible courage of this woman for coming forward. As an organization, we stand firmly against all or any forms of physical and emotional assault. With so little information available to us at this moment, and out of respect for the necessary legal process, we will refrain from commenting any further at this time.”
Williams played six seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs after being drafted by the team in 1974.