Overview
- Hockey Canada said Wednesday that an independent appeal board of three former judges found five members of the 2018 World Junior team breached the organization’s code of conduct and that the board’s recommended sanctions were accepted.
- The board set individual reinstatement dates with Alex Formenton eligible immediately, Cal Foote eligible Nov. 10, 2026, Carter Hart eligible Nov. 10, 2027, Dillon Dube eligible Nov. 10, 2028, and Michael McLeod eligible Nov. 10, 2030.
- The suspensions bar the players from Hockey Canada‑sanctioned activities such as national teams, coaching and volunteer roles but do not affect their ability to sign with or play in the NHL, which lifted its league suspensions on Dec. 1, 2025.
- The five were acquitted in a high‑profile July 2025 criminal trial, and Hockey Canada did not explain why the appeal board recommended differing lengths for each suspension.
- Other members of the 2018 team were cleared to be considered for national programs but will face enhanced screening, and the decision raises fresh questions about how national bodies enforce conduct rules separately from criminal courts.