Hockey Canada suspends four players from 2018 junior team

An independent appeal board has ruled that five former members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team breached Hockey Canada's code of conduct, resulting in varying suspension lengths from the national governing body's programs. The decision, announced by Hockey Canada on August 12, 2026, comes after the players were acquitted of sexual assault charges in a criminal trial last year.

The board found that Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, and Michael McLeod violated the code of conduct related to an incident involving a woman known as E.M. at a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. The event celebrated the junior team's world championship gold medal. The players were acquitted on sexual assault charges in July 2025.

Hockey Canada accepted the board's recommended reinstatement dates, which differ for each player. Formenton is eligible for immediate reinstatement. Foote's suspension runs until November 10, 2026. Hart's suspension ends on November 10, 2027, and Dubé's on November 10, 2028. McLeod received the longest ban, which will not be lifted until November 10, 2030. The suspensions apply only to Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs and are pending the...