A Canadian appeals board has ruled that four ice hockey players, acquitted of sexual assault last year, will remain barred from representing Canada at the international level due to breaches of Hockey Canada’s code of conduct.

The players, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Carter Hart, were found not guilty in July 2025, but the appeals board deemed their actions in 2018 to be in violation of Hockey Canada’s rules. A fifth player, Alex Formenton, will be reinstated after also being found to have broken conduct rules.

Canadian Hockey Scandal

The incident in question occurred in 2018 at a hotel in London, Ontario, where the players were attending a gala. The players were accused of assaulting a woman, known as EM, in a hotel room, but were acquitted due to concerns over the credibility of EM’s evidence.

The case has sparked a national conversation in Canada about safe sport and the culture in men’s hockey. The ruling means that while the players are eligible to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), they will face varying periods of suspension from international competition, ranging from several months to several years.

The suspensions will be lifted on different dates, with Foote eligible to return on November 10 of this year, Hart and Dube on November 10, 2027, and 2028, respectively, and McLeod on November 10, 2030.

Reactions and Implications

Canada’s secretary of sport, Adam van Koeverden, stated that the case has led to changes in addressing toxic culture in men’s hockey, and emphasized the importance of holding national sport organizations accountable. The ruling is seen as a significant step in addressing the problematic culture in men’s hockey.

The incident has had a lasting impact on the sport, with many calling for greater accountability and changes to the culture within men’s hockey. As the sport continues to grapple with issues of misconduct and accountability, the ruling serves as a reminder of the need for strong leadership and a commitment to safe and respectful competition.

The broader significance of this case lies in its contribution to a growing movement to address and prevent misconduct in sports, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote a culture of respect and accountability in athletic organizations.