Former Vancouver Canucks player, Willie Mitchell, is facing a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman at his residence in Tofino, British Columbia, three years ago. The civil claim, filed in B.C. Supreme Court, alleges that Mitchell had non-consensual and unprotected sexual relations with the plaintiff, identified as S.D.K., who was employed as a server at Tofino Resort at the time of the alleged incident.
According to court documents, Mitchell was a director and acting general manager of Tofino Resort, along with an affiliated numbered company, both of which are also defendants in the lawsuit. The claims have not yet been proven in court, and the respondents have not submitted their defense statements.
The lawsuit details that on the night of September 11, 2022, S.D.K. completed her shift as a server and later joined colleagues at The Hatch, the pub within Tofino Resort. The claim suggests that due to alcohol intoxication, S.D.K. became visibly impaired, and Mitchell purportedly escorted her out of the pub to his residence. While at Mitchell’s home, the plaintiff, in a state of extreme intoxication, allegedly engaged in sexual activity without her consent.
Following the incident, S.D.K. reported to local authorities and underwent a forensic examination at Tofino General Hospital. The lawsuit asserts that Mitchell, as a representative of Tofino Resort, had a duty to prevent foreseeable harm, including sexual assault, and failed in his duty of care towards the plaintiff.
The plaintiff intends to present evidence from other female complainants, alleging a pattern of Mitchell’s past behavior involving coercion and harassment of intoxicated women and mistreatment of female staff at Tofino Resort. S.D.K. is seeking damages for the injuries sustained, including loss of present and future earning capacity.
In a separate application, S.D.K. has requested the court to protect her identity from public disclosure, citing concerns over potential widespread publicity, especially in light of recent high-profile cases. Mitchell, a former NHL player who hails from Vancouver Island, had a successful career with the Vancouver Canucks and won Stanley Cups with the LA Kings before retiring in 2016.