An independent appeal board has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, who were cleared of sexual assault charges in 2025, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the board’s recommendations regarding the ongoing suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted last year of sexual assault allegations related to an incident involving a woman referred to as “E.M.” at a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario, celebrating the national junior team’s world championship victory. However, a panel consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen recommended that four of the players remain suspended from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.
The reinstatement dates differ for each player, with McLeod not eligible until November 10, 2030. Foote will be eligible on the same day, while Hart and Dube will be eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is immediately eligible for reinstatement.
Hockey Canada confirmed that the rest of the 2018 team members are now eligible for participation in sanctioned programs. The suspended players, who had NHL careers prior to the allegations, have been able to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been eligible to play since December 1.
As for the current whereabouts of the five players, Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their appearance in this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube joined St. Louis after signing on July 1, while McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL and faced a contract rescission from Farjestad BK due to public criticism. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Following the settlement of a lawsuit with the woman in 2022, which led to a forensic audit and funding freeze, Hockey Canada has faced scrutiny from government officials. Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current sports secretary, acknowledged the appeal board’s findings and emphasized the importance of addressing toxic cultures in sports. He highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in implementing changes to prioritize safety and well-being and emphasized the need for accountability in national sport organizations.