An independent appeal board has determined that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, who were cleared of sexual assault charges last year, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct.
Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the board’s decision to continue suspensions and set reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
The players were acquitted in July 2025 of allegations related to an incident involving a woman known as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, where the team celebrated their world championship win.
A three-member appeal board, comprising John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, recommended ongoing suspensions from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs for four of the players.
Reinstatement dates vary among the players. McLeod will be eligible for reinstatement on November 10, 2030. Foote will be eligible on the same date, while Hart and Dube will become eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is immediately eligible for reinstatement.
All other members of the 2018 team are now eligible to participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.
The suspended players, who had NHL careers prior to the charges, have been free to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and have been able to play since December 1.
Carter Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their appearance in this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dillon Dube joined the St. Louis team on July 1, while Michael McLeod played with Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Cal Foote played with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL and had a contract rescinded by Farjestad BK following criticism. Alex Formenton has been playing in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Hockey Canada faced scrutiny from Members of Parliament regarding their handling of the situation, following the public revelation of a settlement with the woman in 2022. The Canadian government conducted a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not used in the settlement, resulting in the temporary freeze of federal funding to Hockey Canada.
Acknowledging the appeal board’s findings, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current Secretary of Sport, emphasized the importance of accountability and cultural change in hockey. He highlighted the progress made by Hockey Canada, including becoming a full signatory to the Canadian Safe Sport Program.
Van Koeverden emphasized the need for a safe and respectful sport environment, stating that national sport organizations must be held accountable for implementing measures to prevent maltreatment.
The government continues to monitor national sport organizations to ensure the implementation of systemic changes that promote safety, respect, and integrity in all sports.