An independent appeal panel has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, previously cleared of sexual assault charges, violated the code of conduct set by Hockey Canada.
Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the panel’s recommendations for ongoing suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 after being accused of sexual assault during 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 gold medal victory.
Following a review by a three-judge appeal board consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, it was advised that four of the players continue to be suspended from Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities.
The reinstatement dates vary for each player, with McLeod not eligible for reinstatement 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 has confirmed that all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible to be considered for participation in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.
The suspended players, all of whom had NHL careers prior to the allegations, have been able to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been allowed to play since December 1.
Regarding 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 the St. Louis team, McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League, Foote competed with the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves and had a contract rescinded by Farjestad BK in Sweden, while Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
The settlement of a lawsuit between Hockey Canada and the woman involved was made public in 2022, leading to a forensic audit being ordered by Canada’s former sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, to ensure that public funds were not used in the settlement. Federal funding to the organization was suspended for nearly a year as a result.
In response to the appeal board’s findings, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current sports secretary, acknowledged the breach of the Hockey Canada Code of Conduct by all five players. He emphasized the importance of creating a safe sporting environment and addressing the toxic culture prevalent in men’s hockey.
Significant improvements have been made within Hockey Canada since 2022 to address systemic issues and promote a culture of change. The organization is now a full participant in the Canadian Safe Sport Program, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in sports.
The government remains vigilant in monitoring national sport organizations to ensure they are implementing measures to prevent and address misconduct, emphasizing the need for a culture of safety, respect, and integrity across all sports.