An independent appeal panel has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, previously cleared of sexual assault charges, violated Hockey Canada’s code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the panel’s recommendations regarding the continued suspensions and reinstatement timelines for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 in relation to allegations of sexual assault involving an incident with a woman identified as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario. However, a three-member appeal panel composed of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen advised extended suspensions from Hockey Canada-affiliated activities for four of the players.
The reinstatement dates vary among the players, with McLeod set for potential reinstatement on November 10, 2030, Foote on November 10, Hart in 2027, Dube in 2028, and Formenton immediately eligible for reinstatement.
Hockey Canada stated that all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible for consideration to participate in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned program, effective immediately. The suspended players, who had NHL careers before the legal proceedings, have been free to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and able 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 the Stanley Cup final this year. Dube secured a contract with St. Louis on July 1, 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 Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League and had a contract with Farjestad BK rescinded. Formenton has been competing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
In 2022, it was revealed that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit with the woman out of court, prompting Canada’s former sport minister, Pascale St. Onge, to order a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not involved in the settlement. This led to the suspension of federal funding to the organization for nearly a year.
Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current secretary of sport, acknowledged the findings of the independent appeal board, emphasizing the importance of accountability and cultural change within Hockey Canada. He highlighted the progress made in addressing systemic issues and ensuring a safe sporting environment for all participants.
The statement stressed the government’s commitment to monitoring national sport organizations to guarantee the implementation of measures that prioritize safety, respect, and integrity across all sports.