Outside the London, Ont., courthouse where five former world junior hockey players are on trial on sexual assault charges, supporters of the complainant — carrying signs reading, "I believe you E.M." and "We Believe Survivors" — have been confronted by #HimToo movement backers with signs of their own: "5 careers ruined" and "E.M. cheated."

The polarization echoes what's happening on social media and in discussions across Canada as this high-profile trial plays out, with closing arguments starting Monday. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé and Cal Foote have all pleaded not guilty; the complainant is referred to as E.M. as her identity is protected under a standard publication ban.

HOCKEY CANADA TRIAL A timeline of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial and key mom

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