An independent appeal board has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, who were previously cleared of sexual assault charges last year, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct.
Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to uphold the board’s recommendations for ongoing suspensions and reinstatement schedules for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
Following their acquittal in July 2025 regarding accusations of sexual assault involving an individual identified as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario, the trio of judges on the appeal board – John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen – advised continued suspensions for four of the players.
The reinstatement dates differ among the players, with McLeod prohibited from reinstatement until November 10, 2030. Foote becomes eligible on November 10, while Hart and Dube are set for eligibility on November 10 in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is eligible for immediate reinstatement.
Hockey Canada has confirmed that all other members of the 2018 team may now be considered for participation in any Hockey Canada-approved program effective immediately.
The suspended players, who had already embarked on NHL careers before the charges were filed, were permitted to sign with NHL teams starting October 15 and begin playing from December 1.
Regarding the current whereabouts of the five players, Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their advancement to this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube secured an NHL opportunity by signing with St. Louis on July 1. McLeod competed last season with Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League. Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League last season and had a one-year deal with Farjestad BK terminated due to criticism over the signing. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
In 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada had settled a legal dispute with the woman outside of court. This led to an investigation by Canada’s sport minister at the time, Pascale St. Onge, who ordered a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not involved in the settlement, and halted federal funding to the organization for nearly a year.
Accountability remains a top priority for Hockey Canada, with officials facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament on Parliament Hill over their handling of the matter. Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current sport secretary, acknowledged the appeal board’s findings, stating that all five players breached the Hockey Canada Code of Conduct. He emphasized the importance of creating a safe sports environment and addressing toxic cultures within men’s hockey, attributing shifts in attitudes to the voices of women and survivors who have spoken out.
Significant strides have been made within Hockey Canada since 2022 to rectify systemic shortcomings, including becoming a full participant in the Canadian Safe Sport Program and committing to fostering a culture of change.
The government continues to monitor national sport bodies closely to ensure the implementation of measures that safeguard the well-being and safety of all individuals involved in sports, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and the prevention of harm in the absence of proper safeguards.