Hockey Canada has updated the suspension status for five players from the 2018 World Junior team linked to a sexual assault trial. Following an independent appeal review, the board concluded that Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod breached Hockey Canada鈥檚 code of conduct. While Alex Formenton was reinstated immediately, the other players received various suspension lengths, with Hart out until November 2027. All players are barred from Hockey Canada-sanctioned events, impacting their international play opportunities. Despite acquittals from the trial due to insufficient evidence, these sanctions remain in effect.

By the Numbers
  • Alex Formenton: reinstated immediately
  • Carter Hart: suspended until November 10, 2027
  • Dillon Dube: suspended until November 10, 2028
  • Michael McLeod: suspended until November 10, 2030
  • Cal Foote: suspended until November 10, 2026
State of Play
  • Current NHL contracts: Carter Hart (Vegas Golden Knights), Dillon Dube (St. Louis Blues).
  • Future events: The next major Hockey Canada event is the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
  • Other 2018 players not facing suspension include Cale Makar, Robert Thomas, Drake Batherson, and Jordan Kyrou.
What's Next

As international events approach, the impact of suspended players, particularly Hart, may influence Canada's roster decisions. Enhanced screening processes for all 2018 team members may also shift future event considerations.

Bottom Line

Hockey Canada's decision highlights the organization's commitment to maintaining conduct standards, even as players aim to recover their international standing following acquittals from serious charges. This incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding player misconduct in sports.