An impartial appeal board has determined that five members of the Canadian 2018 world junior hockey 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 board’s recommendations regarding the ongoing suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
Despite being acquitted in July 2025 of sexual assault charges related to an incident involving a woman referred to as “E.M.” at a Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario, honoring the national junior team’s world championship victory, the trio of judges on the appeal board—John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen—suggested that four of the players should remain suspended from Hockey Canada programs.
The reinstatement dates for the players vary, with McLeod not eligible for reinstatement until November 10, 2030. Foote becomes eligible on the same date, while Hart and Dube are eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, 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 without delay.
The suspended players, who had already started their NHL careers before the accusations arose, 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 joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their advancement to this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube secured an NHL contract with St. Louis on July 1. McLeod competed with Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League and recently had a contract with Farjestad BK canceled due to criticism. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Following the revelation in 2022 that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit privately with the woman, the former Canadian sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, initiated a forensic audit to ensure no public funds were used in the settlement, leading to a freeze in federal funding to the organization for nearly a year.
Addressing the matter, Adam van Koeverden, the current Canadian sports secretary, acknowledged the findings of the independent appeal board and stressed the need for accountability and a safe sports environment. He emphasized the importance of women’s voices and survivors in driving changes to eradicate toxic cultures in sports. The statement also highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in rectifying systemic flaws and its commitment to fostering a culture of positive change through the Canadian Safe Sport Program.
Van Koeverden emphasized the government’s commitment to overseeing national sport organizations as they implement measures to prevent and address misconduct, ensuring safety, respect, and integrity across all sports.