Hockey Canada appeal keeps four 2018 World Junior players suspended

Hockey Canada has decided to maintain disciplinary sanctions against four members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team.

An independent appeal board determined that all five players breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct following an internal review of the events surrounding the alleged coordinated sexual assault of a 20 year-old woman in a hotel in London, Ont. in June 2018. The organization announced the decision Wednesday, but has not provided individual explanations for the length of each suspension.

Alex Formenton, who currently plays in Switzerland, is the only player cleared to return to Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities. His suspension has been lifted immediately. Cal Foote will remain suspended until Nov. 10, 2026, while Carter Hart’s suspension runs through Nov. 10, 2027. Dillon Dube is suspended until Nov. 10, 2028, and Michael McLeod received the longest penalty, remaining ineligible until Nov. 10, 2030.

The decision comes more than a year after an Ontario Superior Court judge acquitted all five players following an eight-week trial. In a decried and controversial move, Justice Maria Carroccia concluded in July 2025 that the Crown had not established the allegations beyond the required legal threshold and found that she could not rely on the complainant’s evidence. Prosecutors decided not to appeal the acquittals.

The NHL later cleared the players to resume their professional careers, to much public dismay. Hart has since joined the Vegas Golden Knights, while Dube signed with the St. Louis Blues. McLeod is playing in Russia’s KHL, while Foote’s recent contract with Swedish club Färjestad BK was withdrawn following public backlash. Formenton remains in Switzerland.

Hockey Canada said the appeal decision concludes its disciplinary process related to the five players. The organization also confirmed that other members of the 2018 team were not found to have violated its code and remain eligible for Hockey Canada programs.

The revelations surrounding the 2018 team sparked national outrage and triggered a major crisis for Hockey Canada, leading to intense government scrutiny, the departure of senior executives, the loss or suspension of major corporate sponsors and broader questions about how the sport handles allegations of sexual violence and misconduct. The scandal also prompted a reckoning with the culture surrounding elite junior hockey, including questions about consent, accountability, alcohol and the power dynamics surrounding young athletes.

Hockey Canada says it has since introduced stronger screening and safe-sport measures, while players being considered for national teams can now face additional scrutiny.