An appeal board independent of Hockey Canada has determined that five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team, who were cleared of sexual assault charges last year, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the board’s recommendations regarding the continued suspensions and reinstatement timelines for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 of sexual assault allegations related to an incident with a woman identified as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont., commemorating the national junior team’s world championship victory. Nonetheless, a three-member appeal board consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen suggested ongoing suspensions from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs for four of the players.
Reinstatement dates vary among the players, with McLeod eligible for reinstatement on November 10, 2030. Foote will be eligible on the same date, while Hart and Dube will be eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton is immediately eligible for reinstatement. Hockey Canada has stated that all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible for participation in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.
The suspended players, who had NHL careers prior to the charges, have been able to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and play since December 1. Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their advancement to this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube signed with St. Louis on July 1, while McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League and had a contract with Farjestad BK rescinded. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Following the revelation in 2022 of Hockey Canada settling a lawsuit with the woman outside of court, Canada’s former sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, initiated a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not used in the settlement and suspended federal funding to the organization for almost a year. Hockey Canada executives were questioned by members of Parliament regarding their handling of the situation.
Canada’s current Secretary of Sport, Adam van Koeverden, acknowledged the appeal board’s findings and emphasized the importance of accountability and fostering a safe sports environment, particularly in men’s hockey. He highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in addressing systemic issues and promoting a culture of change. The government remains vigilant in overseeing national sport organizations to guarantee a safe, respectful, and ethical sporting environment for all individuals involved.
