An independent appeals board has determined that five players who were cleared of sexual assault charges last year in connection to an incident during a 2018 Hockey Canada event have violated the organization’s code of conduct. Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that it has accepted the board’s recommendations regarding ongoing suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod.
Although the players were acquitted in July 2025, the appeal board, consisting of John Laskin, Katherine Swinton, and Thomas McEwen, suggested continued suspensions for four of them. Michael McLeod’s reinstatement eligibility is set for November 10, 2030, while Cal Foote will be eligible on the same date. Carter Hart and Dillon Dube will be eligible in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Alex Formenton, however, is eligible for immediate 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 programs. The suspended players, who had NHL careers before the charges, have been able to sign with NHL teams since October 15 and start playing since December 1.
Regarding the current whereabouts of the players, Carter Hart joined the Vegas Golden Knights and contributed to their appearance in this year’s Stanley Cup final. Dillon Dube signed with the St. Louis Blues on July 1, while Michael McLeod played for Omsk Avangard in the Kontinental Hockey League last season. Cal Foote played for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL last season and had a contract with Farjestad BK canceled due to criticism. 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, leading Canada’s sport minister at the time, Pascale St. Onge, to order a forensic audit and freeze federal funding to the organization. Hockey Canada’s handling of the situation was scrutinized by members of Parliament on Parliament Hill.
Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s current secretary of sport, acknowledged the appeal board’s findings and highlighted the importance of addressing systemic failures within Hockey Canada. He emphasized the need for a culture of safety and respect in sports, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to prevent and address misconduct within national sport organizations. The government continues to monitor these organizations closely to ensure the implementation of measures that promote a safe and inclusive sporting environment.