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A composite image of five photographs shows former members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart, in April, 2025.Nicole Osborne/The Canadian Press
A panel of former judges has found that five members of the 2018 World Junior hockey team violated Hockey Canada’s code of conduct and has recommended extending suspensions for four of them, while immediately reinstating one player.
The five players – Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton and Cal Foote – were found not guilty by a judge in London, Ont., last year of sexual-assault charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2018.
Hockey Canada said in a statement Wednesday that an independent appeal board examining the matter for the organization found that the conduct of the players, while not deemed criminal by the courts, breached the code of conduct. Hockey Canada said it has accepted the review panel’s recommendations.
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The players were under indefinite suspension from Hockey Canada pending the results of the review. The panel recommended that Mr. Formenton be reinstated immediately, the organization said, while other suspensions vary.
The panel recommended that Mr. Foote be suspended until Nov. 10, 2026, Mr. Hart be suspended until Nov. 10, 2027, Mr. Dubé be suspended until Nov. 10, 2028, and Mr. McLeod be suspended until Nov. 10, 2030.
Hockey Canada didn’t give any reasons in its press release for the varying lengths of the suspensions.
The independent appeal board consisted of three former judges, including Hon. John Laskin, Hon. Katherine Swinton, and Hon. Thomas McEwen.
The bans prevent players from a wide range of activities overseen by the sport’s national governing body, including coaching, volunteering and representing the country at international tournaments, such as the world championships, Olympics and Spengler Cup, were they to be considered for those rosters.
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Hockey Canada does not have say over any National Hockey League activities where some of the players are now resuming careers. Mr. Hart signed a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights last fall and was the team’s starting goaltender in June when Vegas lost to Carolina in six games in the Stanley Cup final. Mr. Dubé has signed a contract with the St. Louis Blues.
Mr. McLeod played for Omsk Avangard of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League last season, while Mr. Formenton played for Swiss club Ambri-Piotta.
After playing for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League last season, Mr. Foote signed a one-year contract with Sweden’s Farjestad BK in late July. However, the club issued a statement a few days later, saying it had decided not to proceed after the team heard concerns from supporters, partners and employees about the signing.