An independent appeal panel has concluded that five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, previously cleared of sexual assault charges, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the panel’s recommendations regarding the ongoing suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
These five players were acquitted in July 2025 in connection with sexual assault allegations involving an incident with an individual identified as “E.M.” during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario celebrating the national junior team’s championship victory.
The appeal board, comprised of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, suggested that four of the players remain suspended from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. McLeod’s eligibility for reinstatement is set for November 10, 2030, while Foote, Hart, and Dube are eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Formenton, on the other hand, is immediately eligible for reinstatement.
According to Hockey Canada, all other members of the 2018 team are now eligible to be considered for participation in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned program. The suspended players, who had NHL careers before the accusations, have been free to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and to play since December 1.
As for the current whereabouts of the five players, Hart has joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their appearance in this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dube secured an NHL contract with St. Louis, while McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League. Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League and had a contract with Farjestad BK canceled due to criticism. Formenton has been active in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
Following the revelation in 2022 that Hockey Canada settled a legal case with the woman, former Canadian sports minister Pascale St. Onge initiated a forensic audit to ensure public funds were not misused. Federal funding to the organization was suspended for almost a year.
Adam van Koeverden, the current secretary of sport, acknowledged the findings of the independent appeal board and emphasized the importance of accountability within Hockey Canada. He highlighted the progress made by the organization in addressing systemic issues and fostering a culture of change since 2022.
Van Koeverden stressed the need for national sport organizations to prioritize safety, respect, and integrity, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the implementation of measures to prevent and address misconduct. He underlined the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all individuals involved in sports and promoting a culture of safety and accountability.