An independent appeal panel has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, who were cleared of sexual assault allegations last year, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the panel’s recommendations regarding the ongoing suspensions and reinstatement timelines for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 of charges related to an incident involving a woman known as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario. Despite the acquittal, a three-judge appeal board consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen advised that four of the players should remain 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 date, while Hart and Dube will become eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is eligible for immediate reinstatement.
According to Hockey Canada, all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible to be considered for participation in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. The suspended players, who previously had NHL careers, have been free 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 secured an NHL contract 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 AHL last season and had a contract with Farjestad BK canceled due to public backlash. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
In 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit with the woman outside of court. This led Canada’s former sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, to order a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not used in the settlement, resulting in federal funding to the organization being frozen for nearly a year.
Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current secretary of sport, emphasized the importance of accountability in the wake of the appeal board’s findings. He acknowledged the breach of the Hockey Canada Code of Conduct by all five players and highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in addressing systemic issues and promoting a culture of change since 2022.
Van Koeverden stressed the need for national sport organizations to prioritize safety and well-being, hold themselves accountable, and implement measures to prevent and address misconduct. The government continues to oversee the efforts of sport organizations in fostering a culture of safety, respect, and integrity across all sports.