2024-2025 Blues Multi-Purpose Thread.

[Brian39]

It’s been a few days since I last saw anything on the WJC sexual assault trial but I see our own Robert Thomas’ name finally came up in court the last 2-3 days. Thankfully, it looks like he was very minorly involved.

Rick Westhead: Formenton, Dube police interviews played at London hockey trial | TSN



https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/lond...-what-happened-in-london-hotel-room-9.6778928

Hart is then asked to draw his recollection of where guys were in the room. Stick figure would be the girl on a bedsheet on the floor. RT is Thomas..

So piecing it together, most of the team went to Jack’s bar which is where they met the girl. Formenton and Thomas were 18 (drinking age in Canada is 19) so they couldn’t get in and went to another bar instead (maybe one they knew was more lax with underage entry? Idk). Hart then meets them at the other bar and the 3 of them walk back to the hotel and into room 209. The girl is at that point clothed (or so says Formenton anyway), Thomas quickly leaves. The other two end up charged with felonies…

The Prosecution closed their case without calling Thomas to testify. They endorsed a bunch of witnesses that they didn't end up calling (which is completely normal). Thomas could still be called by one of the defense teams, but I'm guessing that they won't. The players called by the prosecution were pretty helpful to the defense and at this point the risk of any other player saying something damaging to the defense is likely higher than having them essentially corroborate what has already been said.

 

[Xerloris]

Thankfully, it looks like he was very minorly involved.

he wasn't involved at all. being somewhere before something happens does not mean you were minorly involved.

 

[Beauterham]

It’s been a few days since I last saw anything on the WJC sexual assault trial but I see our own Robert Thomas’ name finally came up in court the last 2-3 days. Thankfully, it looks like he was very minorly involved.

Rick Westhead: Formenton, Dube police interviews played at London hockey trial | TSN



https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/lond...-what-happened-in-london-hotel-room-9.6778928

Hart is then asked to draw his recollection of where guys were in the room. Stick figure would be the girl on a bedsheet on the floor. RT is Thomas..

So piecing it together, most of the team went to Jack’s bar which is where they met the girl. Formenton and Thomas were 18 (drinking age in Canada is 19) so they couldn’t get in and went to another bar instead (maybe one they knew was more lax with underage entry? Idk). Hart then meets them at the other bar and the 3 of them walk back to the hotel and into room 209. The girl is at that point clothed (or so says Formenton anyway), Thomas quickly leaves. The other two end up charged with felonies…

Not happy Thomas name popped up, but it seems -as you said- he played a very minor role. According to Formenton he was only there for 5 minutes.

Been following the case a little bit and unless the prosecution has some sort of ace up their sleeve it doesn't feel to me the players involved will get convicted.

 

[STL fan in MN]

he wasn't involved at all. being somewhere before something happens does not mean you were minorly involved.

Seems like a weird nit to pick there bud. And who’s to say he was there before anything happened? Clearly a lot of the alleged stuff happened later but we don’t know exactly when during all of it RT walked in the room. Maybe some of it had already occurred. We don’t know. Formenton said the girl was clothed and RT stayed about 5 min. But then Hart described the girl as being naked on a sheet on the floor and RT over by the window. So who knows.

But I’m also not judging RT. Sounds like he noped out of that situation real quick so that’s good.

 

[BlueDream]

Seems like a weird nit to pick there bud. And who’s to say he was there before anything happened? Clearly a lot of the alleged stuff happened later but we don’t know exactly when during all of it RT walked in the room. Maybe some of it had already occurred. We don’t know. Formenton said the girl was clothed and RT stayed about 5 min. But then Hart described the girl as being naked on a sheet on the floor and RT over by the window. So who knows.

But I’m also not judging RT. Sounds like he noped out of that situation real quick so that’s good.

Well Doug Armstrong probably knows, who is heavily involved with Hockey Canada. He surely had concrete information that Thomas didn’t do anything wrong when he gave him that contract extension years ago.

So it’s pointless for you to be analyzing Thomas’ “involvement” when the people in the know have known for a long time that he’s clean. He’s not in any danger here.

Hell, even the accused players have basically zero evidence against them. I’m actually surprised by how weak the entire case is. I’m ready for people to finally move the hell on from this shit.

 

[Louie the Blue]

he wasn't involved at all. being somewhere before something happens does not mean you were minorly involved.

Thankfully, it does not appear Thomas was around during when the alleged actions (or the majority of them) occurred that day and isn’t being accused as a potential perpetrator. However, both Formenton and Hart did say he was in the room at some point either before or after the actions occurred. While he himself may not have been there for a while, he’s still “involved” for being present either before, during, or after all this allegedly occurred just by being present.

 

[STL fan in MN]

Well Doug Armstrong probably knows, who is heavily involved with Hockey Canada. He surely had concrete information that Thomas didn’t do anything wrong when he gave him that contract extension years ago.

So it’s pointless for you to be analyzing Thomas’ “involvement” when the people in the know have known for a long time that he’s clean. He’s not in any danger here.

Hell, even the accused players have basically zero evidence against them. I’m actually surprised by how weak the entire case is. I’m ready for people to finally move the hell on from this shit.

Geez. If I had any motive at all with my post it was to show that Thomas is looking pretty squeaky clean given how close to it he was. That’s why I put it in the multi purpose thread and not the around the NHL thread. I tried to write it in as much of an unbiased, just the facts ma’am manner that I could and you guys still found sometime to complain about. But you want to argue me saying he’s only minorly involved in the case as even that being a bridge too far? He was in the room, his name came up the last 3 days in court and he was listed as a witness. Of course he was at least minorly involved.

 

[STL fan in MN]

The Prosecution closed their case without calling Thomas to testify. They endorsed a bunch of witnesses that they didn't end up calling (which is completely normal). Thomas could still be called by one of the defense teams, but I'm guessing that they won't. The players called by the prosecution were pretty helpful to the defense and at this point the risk of any other player saying something damaging to the defense is likely higher than having them essentially corroborate what has already been said.

Agreed. I’d be surprised if Thomas is called as a witness at this point unless somehow he’d be a help to the defense. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if none of the other defendants testify. Just let Hart’s testimony stand. If any of the others go up there then maybe they describe a detail differently and the Crown can hone in on that.

I think there’s a decent chance some shady stuff happened in that room that night but from what I’ve read (which obviously isn’t to the level of detail as the judge), I just don’t see it rising to the level of beyond a reasonable doubt. Seems like a he said she said that’s just near impossible to prove. Unless the Crown can somehow show she was so drunk she didn’t have the capacity to consent, then I think this is heading towards a likely acquittal. And I’m not aware of the prosecution presenting any videos of her stumbling or anything. Curious what your thoughts are on where it’s likely heading.

 

[Louie the Blue]

Agreed. I’d be surprised if Thomas is called as a witness at this point unless somehow he’d be a help to the defense. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if none of the other defendants testify. Just let Hart’s testimony stand. If any of the others go up there then maybe they describe a detail differently and the Crown can hone in on that.

I think there’s a decent chance some shady stuff happened in that room that night but from what I’ve read (which obviously isn’t to the level of detail as the judge), I just don’t see it rising to the level of beyond a reasonable doubt. Seems like a he said she said that’s just near impossible to prove. Unless the Crown can somehow show she was so drunk she didn’t have the capacity to consent, then I think this is heading towards a likely acquittal. And I’m not aware of the prosecution presenting any videos of her stumbling or anything. Curious what your thoughts are on where it’s likely heading.

I am not a lawyer (I believe Brian is), but these cases are very hard to prosecute for convicting one person, much less five. I know the judge dismissed the jury and will render a ruling herself.

My suspicion is that not all five will be convicted, but a few might. McLeod has two charges against him while the rest have one.

 

[Brian39]

Agreed. I’d be surprised if Thomas is called as a witness at this point unless somehow he’d be a help to the defense. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if none of the other defendants testify. Just let Hart’s testimony stand. If any of the others go up there then maybe they describe a detail differently and the Crown can hone in on that.

I think there’s a decent chance some shady stuff happened in that room that night but from what I’ve read (which obviously isn’t to the level of detail as the judge), I just don’t see it rising to the level of beyond a reasonable doubt. Seems like a he said she said that’s just near impossible to prove. Unless the Crown can somehow show she was so drunk she didn’t have the capacity to consent, then I think this is heading towards a likely acquittal. And I’m not aware of the prosecution presenting any videos of her stumbling or anything. Curious what your thoughts are on where it’s likely heading.

It's really hard to get a good read on witness credibility based on reporters summarizing questions and answers. Especially once it became a judge-only trial where lawyers could tailor their questions toward a judge with legal training and not a legally-uneducated jury.

But from what I've seen, I think guilty verdicts are very unlikely. I don't remotely like the situation and the behavior of pretty much everyone involved, but I don't see anything close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt that sex assaults took place.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

It's really hard to get a good read on witness credibility based on reporters summarizing questions and answers. Especially once it became a judge-only trial where lawyers could tailor their questions toward a judge with legal training and not a legally-uneducated jury.

But from what I've seen, I think guilty verdicts are very unlikely. I don't remotely like the situation and the behavior of pretty much everyone involved, but I don't see anything close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt that sex assaults took place.

I don’t think it’s clear that all will be found not guilty. The players are charged for a variety of acts. It’s possible, based on testimony I have read, that the judge could find that she consented to sex with Formenton but not to Dube slapping her or Foote teabagging her, for example.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

It's really hard to get a good read on witness credibility based on reporters summarizing questions and answers. Especially once it became a judge-only trial where lawyers could tailor their questions toward a judge with legal training and not a legally-uneducated jury.

But from what I've seen, I think guilty verdicts are very unlikely. I don't remotely like the situation and the behavior of pretty much everyone involved, but I don't see anything close to proof beyond a reasonable doubt that sex assaults took place.

I agree. I think guilty verdicts are very unlikely.

 

[STL fan in MN]

I don’t think it’s clear that all will be found not guilty. The players are charged for a variety of acts. It’s possible, based on testimony I have read, that the judge could find that she consented to sex with Formenton but not to Dube slapping her or Foote teabagging her, for example.

That’s a fair point. I assume that’s possible, @Brian39? That there could be a split judgement where some are deemed guilty and others not guilty? Or is it an all or nothing sort of thing?

Again, I would expect the judge to come to conclusion that she either consented to none of it or all of it (or that she just can’t say so must acquit) but it’s a fair point that they’re charged with separate specific acts. And McLeod has a 2nd charge for being an assessory. TBH, I could use a little help in understanding what would be needed to convict him on that charge.

 

[Beninnola]

I don’t wanna creeper the guy, nor dox the event. 99.99% sure Monty is 1 table to my left right now.

Edit: is him. I’m not in stl by the way. They’re talking about practice and half a dozen people have came by and shook his hand. Imma let him be, unless there’s something yall are dying to have somebody ask him.

Makes me feel classy. I turned and snapped a photo for evidences sake, my bldg is in the photo in the background - the party is down my elevator. Monty has excellent taste. I’d share the lil spy shot I snagged of the situation but there’s randoms in the photo. Dude and seemingly everybody here looked like they had a blast.

 

[STL fan in MN]

I don’t wanna creeper the guy, nor dox the event. 99.99% sure Monty is 1 table to my left right now.

Edit: is him. I’m not in stl by the way. They’re talking about practice and half a dozen people have came by and shook his hand. Imma let him be, unless there’s something yall are dying to have somebody ask him.

Ask him if he’s the Montiest of Montys (stick tap to @MortiestOfMortys).

 

[BadgersandBlues]

Tell him Bolduc needs more time with Thomas

 

[Beninnola]

Tell him Bolduc needs more time with Thomas

The cross check Bolduc delivered to protect Thomas won my heart to the degree that if it’s appropriate to socialize with him, 100% will say it. I feel if I were him I would be tired of it. It’s been dozens of people saying random nice things to him every couple of minutes or so. I’m way too much of a hockey geek to have a normal chat with the man lol. The music is loud, he’s with friends at a table, and me yelling over the band blasting Sweet Caroline about hockey stuff wouldn’t go well probably.

 

[TheOrganist]

Agreed. I’d be surprised if Thomas is called as a witness at this point unless somehow he’d be a help to the defense. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if none of the other defendants testify. Just let Hart’s testimony stand. If any of the others go up there then maybe they describe a detail differently and the Crown can hone in on that.

I think there’s a decent chance some shady stuff happened in that room that night but from what I’ve read (which obviously isn’t to the level of detail as the judge), I just don’t see it rising to the level of beyond a reasonable doubt. Seems like a he said she said that’s just near impossible to prove. Unless the Crown can somehow show she was so drunk she didn’t have the capacity to consent, then I think this is heading towards a likely acquittal. And I’m not aware of the prosecution presenting any videos of her stumbling or anything. Curious what your thoughts are on where it’s likely heading.

I haven’t been the following the minutia of the case but it’ll interesting if those with NHL caliber talent like Carter Hart will be able to resume their careers following an acquittal.

 

[BlueDream]

Geez. If I had any motive at all with my post it was to show that Thomas is looking pretty squeaky clean given how close to it he was. That’s why I put it in the multi purpose thread and not the around the NHL thread. I tried to write it in as much of an unbiased, just the facts ma’am manner that I could and you guys still found sometime to complain about. But you want to argue me saying he’s only minorly involved in the case as even that being a bridge too far? He was in the room, his name came up the last 3 days in court and he was listed as a witness. Of course he was at least minorly involved.

Don’t care. No crimes even seem to have taken place in the room so he’s still not “involved” with anything. Your posts are not saying anything.

I haven’t been the following the minutia of the case but it’ll interesting if those with NHL caliber talent like Carter Hart will be able to resume their careers following an acquittal.

I think he will. He definitely should be.

 

[Mike Liut]

Hard to believe Snuggy just turned 21 today. He seems older than that to me. He’s going to be a beast. He really impressed me this year. I thought he’d need half a year in Springfield first. I was way wrong.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Hard to believe Snuggy just turned 21 today. He seems older than that to me. He’s going to be a beast. He really impressed me this year. I thought he’d need half a year in Springfield first. I was way wrong.

Me too. I was way wrong about him. His energy is super high.

 

[BlueMed]

Hard to believe Snuggy just turned 21 today. He seems older than that to me. He’s going to be a beast. He really impressed me this year. I thought he’d need half a year in Springfield first. I was way wrong.

He is faster than I expected. I'm excited to see what he can do next year after having a 14 game sample of the NHL and a full off season to build muscle and strength to prepare for what's ahead.

 

[MissouriMook]

He is faster than I expected. I'm excited to see what he can do next year after having a 14 game sample of the NHL and a full off season to build muscle and strength to prepare for what's ahead.

It's probably not a stretch to say that this will be the most important offseason of his career. What he accomplishes between the end of season (nearly 4 weeks ago now) and the start of training camp could have an oversized impact on the trajectory of his career. He needs to get the weight and strength gains in during the summer months and use his time in rookie and main camp for skills development.

He's had a taste of the speed of the game at this level, now he needs to learn to make good decisions faster, backcheck with more tenacity, get to quiet areas in offensive zone and be able to get his shot off quickly and accurately, even under duress at NHL speeds. This team will need him to be better than a typical rookie, especially if Kyrou is moved in the next month. I'm hopeful for a 25/25/50 campaign, especially if he spends enough time on Thomas' RW and on PP1. We're going to need that if this team as a whole is going to take the next step.

 

[Davimir Tarablad]

It's probably not a stretch to say that this will be the most important offseason of his career. What he accomplishes between the end of season (nearly 4 weeks ago now) and the start of training camp could have an oversized impact on the trajectory of his career. He needs to get the weight and strength gains in during the summer months and use his time in rookie and main camp for skills development.

He's had a taste of the speed of the game at this level, now he needs to learn to make good decisions faster, backcheck with more tenacity, get to quiet areas in offensive zone and be able to get his shot off quickly and accurately, even under duress at NHL speeds. This team will need him to be better than a typical rookie, especially if Kyrou is moved in the next month. I'm hopeful for a 25/25/50 campaign, especially if he spends enough time on Thomas' RW and on PP1. We're going to need that if this team as a whole is going to take the next step.

Would you look at the time

 

[ToastedRavioli]

Selke Votes released today and three Blues are on the list. Thomas at 21, Holloway tied for 26, and Jordan Kyrou tied for 37th with one 5th place vote. Had to do a double take when I saw that. He improved his defensive game a lot this year so I would guess it's a St. Louis media guy throwing him a bone with a 5th place vote.