An independent appeal board has determined that five players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior team, who were acquitted of sexual assault charges last year, violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct. The situation stems from an incident involving a woman identified as "E.M." during the Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, in 2018, celebrating the national junior team’s gold medal victory.
In a release on Wednesday, Hockey Canada confirmed that it accepted the appeal board’s recommendations regarding the continued suspensions and eligibility for reinstatement of the players involved: Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, and Michael McLeod. Despite their acquittal in July 2025 on sexual assault charges, the three-judge appeal board—comprising John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen—ruled that these players had breached the organization’s code of conduct.
According to the board's recommendations, the players will face varying lengths of suspension from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs. Notably, McLeod has been given the longest suspension, with a reinstatement date set for November 10, 2030. Foote’s eligibility for reinstatement will commence on November 10, while Hart and Dubé will be reinstated in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Among the group, Formenton is eligible for immediate reinstatement.
As of now, Hockey Canada has stated that all other players from the 2018 team are eligible to participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs effective immediately. This move reflects a policy shift intended to address issues surrounding player conduct and organizational accountability following recent controversies.
While the board's ruling imposed suspensions on these players, they had already been eligible to sign contracts with NHL teams since October 15 and were able to play as of December 1. Carter Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to the team’s success, helping them reach the Stanley Cup final this year. Dillon Dubé found employment as the second player from the group, signing with the St. Louis Blues on July 1.
Michael McLeod spent the previous season with Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League, while Cal Foote played for the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. Foote recently faced complications as his one-year contract with Farjestad BK in Sweden was rescinded due to backlash over his signing. Meanwhile, Alex Formenton has been active in Switzerland for the past three seasons.
The ongoing implications from this decision by the appeal board demonstrate the heightened scrutiny around player behavior in the wake of significant allegations and the necessity for organizations to uphold their codes of conduct in professional sports. The ruling seeks to reinforce the standards expected of players while also reflecting ongoing societal discussions about accountability and the treatment of serious allegations within sports culture.
