An independent appeal board has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, who were previously cleared of sexual assault charges, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it agreed with the board’s decision to uphold the suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 after facing allegations of sexual assault in connection with an incident involving a woman identified as “E.M.” during a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, following the team’s world championship victory.
Following a review by a three-judge panel consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, four of the players are still subject to ongoing suspensions from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. Michael McLeod is set to be eligible for reinstatement on November 10, 2030, while Cal Foote will become eligible on the same date. Carter Hart and Dillon Dube will be eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Meanwhile, Alex Formenton is immediately eligible for reinstatement.
Hockey Canada has stated that all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible for participation in Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities.
The affected players, who had NHL careers prior to the legal charges, have been free to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been able to compete since December 1.
Carter Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their advancement to this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dillon Dube secured a contract with St. Louis on July 1. Michael McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Cal Foote played for the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves and recently had a contract with Farjestad BK canceled due to public backlash. Alex Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
In 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit out of court with the woman involved. This led to an audit ordered by Canada’s former sport minister to verify that public funds were not used in the settlement, resulting in federal funding to the organization being suspended for nearly a year.
Adam van Koeverden, the current secretary of sport in Canada, acknowledged the findings of the independent appeal board and emphasized the importance of addressing toxic culture in men’s hockey. He highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada in implementing measures to prevent maltreatment and promote a safe sporting environment.
The government continues to monitor national sport organizations closely to ensure the implementation of systemic changes that prioritize safety, respect, and integrity in all sports.