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.

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 has acquitted five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team in their sexual assault case, saying the complainant’s allegations lacked the credibility needed to justify the