OTTAWA – A former National Hockey League player faces sexual assault and assault charges. On February 7, 2018, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged Dave Williams with sexual assault and assault under the Criminal Code.
Dave “Tiger” Williams is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League from the 1974–75 NHL season to the 1987–88 NHL season. Williams played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Hartford Whalers during his career in the NHL. He is the NHL’s career leader in penalty minutes
“Every allegation of sexual assault is taken seriously by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service. In all cases, no matter who the accused is, we strive to restore the dignity of victims by fully investigating their complaints, gathering evidence, reconstructing events, and if warranted, laying appropriate charges,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Cadman, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.
The charges relate to reported incidents during a Canadian Armed Forces flight to Latvia in December 2017. The accused was a passenger on the flight as part of a sanctioned morale visit to deployed Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
Mr. Williams faces one count of sexual assault under section 271 of the Criminal Code and one count of assault under section 266 of the Criminal Code.
In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the civilian justice system and will be brought forward by the Crown Attorney in Ottawa at a date still to be determined.