Hockey Canada has taken decisive action against five members of its 2018 world junior squad, suspending them for breaches of the organization’s code of conduct. The suspensions stem from an incident at a gala in London, Ontario, where the players were accused of sexual assault. Although a court cleared them of all criminal charges in July 2025, Hockey Canada determined that their conduct still violated its internal policies.
Among those affected, Michael McLeod faces the longest delay before he can seek reinstatement, with a reinstatement date set for November 10, 2030. The other three — Alex Formenton, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube — have been given eligibility windows that range from immediate release to a 2027 or 2028 reinstatement, while the remaining teammates are free to participate in sanctioned programs right away.
Recent on‑ice activity underscores the lingering impact of the scandal. Carter Hart, now a key goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup final, while Dillon Dube signed with the St. Louis Blues in July 2024. Alex Formenton, who has spent the past three seasons playing in Switzerland, remains eligible for immediate reinstatement.
Eligibility timelines and career trajectories
The case has sparked a broader conversation about how sporting bodies balance legal outcomes with moral and procedural standards. While the players have been cleared in court, Hockey Canada’s code of conduct remains a separate, organization‑specific framework that can impose sanctions independent of criminal verdicts.
As the organization reviews its disciplinary processes, the affected athletes must navigate a complex landscape of contractual obligations, international contracts, and public scrutiny. Their future participation in Hockey Canada‑sanctioned events will depend on the final reinstatement dates and the willingness of teams to integrate them amid ongoing debate.