In brief
Following a 2025 acquittal, an appeals board ruled that four Canadian hockey players remain barred from representing Canada. The decision, based on breaches of Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, sets staggered reinstatement dates for the athletes. The NHL allows them to play in league games, but national play is still prohibited, drawing criticism and calls for continued reform.
Independent appeals board upholds suspension of four Canadian hockey players
The board decided that Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Carter Hart must keep their suspension against representing Canada, citing violations of Hockey Canada’s code of conduct.
Alex Formenton – the fifth player in the case – is being reinstated despite the offence.
The ruling follows their acquittal in a 2025 trial for a 2018 incident at a London, Ontario hotel, a case that ignited national debate about safety and culture in men’s hockey.
Although the court found the alleged victim’s evidence unreliable, Hockey Canada maintained that the players’ actions breached its standards.
While the NHL permits the five athletes to play and sign contracts, the national governing body keeps the suspension in place for international competition.
Reinstatement dates differ: Foote may play from 10 November 2026; Hart and Dube from 10 November 2027 and 2028; McLeod from 10 November 2030. The board did not explain the staggered schedule.
Canada’s sports secretary, Adam van Koeverden, urged that the ruling signals progress in addressing toxic culture, highlighting the importance of survivors’ voices.
The incident’s aftermath continues to shape discussions on safe sport policies and enforcement of conduct standards in Canadian hockey.
