An independent appeal panel has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team, previously cleared of sexual assault charges in 2025, have violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday its acceptance of the panel’s recommendations regarding ongoing suspensions and reinstatement schedules for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted last year of allegations related to an incident involving a woman referred to as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario celebrating the national junior team’s gold medal win. However, a panel consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen advised continued suspensions for four of the players from Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities.
The reinstatement dates differ, with McLeod’s eligibility set for November 10, 2030. Foote will be cleared on the same date, while Hart and Dube will be eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is immediately eligible for reinstatement.
Hockey Canada confirmed that all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible for participation in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs, effective immediately. The suspended players, who had NHL careers prior to the allegations, have been able to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been playing since December 1.
As for the current whereabouts of the five players, Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their appearance in this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube secured a contract with St. Louis in July, while McLeod played 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 terminated due to criticism. Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Following the settlement of a lawsuit with the woman in 2022, which led to a forensic audit and temporary freeze of federal funding, Hockey Canada faced scrutiny from MPs on how it managed the situation. Adam van Koeverden, the current Secretary of Sport for Canada, acknowledged the appeal board’s conclusions and highlighted the importance of accountability and cultural change within the sport. He emphasized the progress made by Hockey Canada in addressing systemic issues and promoting a safe and respectful environment for all participants in sports. The government continues to monitor national sport organizations to ensure the implementation of measures to prevent and address misconduct, emphasizing the need for a culture of safety, respect, and integrity in sports.