An appeal board has determined that five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team, who were previously cleared of sexual assault charges in 2025, have violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the board’s recommendations regarding the suspension 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 known as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, where the national junior team celebrated their world championship victory.
Following the review by a three-judge appeal board consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, it was advised that four of the players should continue to be suspended from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. McLeod’s reinstatement eligibility date is set for November 10, 2030, while Foote will be eligible on the same date. Hart and Dube will be eligible for reinstatement 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 program. The suspended players, who had NHL careers before the charges, have been free to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been allowed 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 advancement to this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube joined St. Louis after signing on July 1. McLeod recently played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League. Foote, who played with the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League last season, had a contract with Farjestad BK rescinded due to criticism over the signing. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
The public disclosure in 2022 of Hockey Canada settling a lawsuit with the woman out of court prompted Canada’s former sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, to order a forensic audit to ensure no public funds were used in the settlement, leading to a freeze in federal funding for almost a year.
In response to the appeal board’s findings, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current secretary of sport, emphasized the importance of accountability and positive cultural changes in sports organizations. He highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in addressing systemic issues and fostering a safer and more respectful sporting environment. The government continues to monitor national sport organizations to ensure the implementation of measures that prioritize safety, respect, and integrity in all sports.