Hockey Canada announced that four players from the 2018 world junior team will remain suspended following an independent appeal process, according to Global News. The appeal board ruled that all five players involved breached the organization’s code of conduct, though one player has been granted immediate reinstatement.
Alex Formenton Reinstated Immediately by Hockey Canada
According to Global News, Alex Formenton is cleared to return to Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs immediately. All five players were previously cleared to play in the National Hockey League last year after their professional league suspensions were lifted following their acquittal by a London, Ontario jury.
Timeline of Remaining Player Suspensions
According to Global News, the independent appeal board upheld strict suspension timelines for the remaining four players from the 2018 roster:
- Cal Foote: Remains suspended until November 10 of this year.
- Carter Hart: Remains suspended until November 10, 2027.
- Dillon Dube: Remains suspended until November 10, 2028.
- Michael McLeod: Faces the longest suspension among the group, lasting until November 10, 2030.
Background on the 2018 World Junior Team Case
Last year, a London, Ont., jury acquitted the five players of sexual assault charges. Despite the criminal court outcome, Hockey Canada’s independent appeal board proceeded with its internal review, ultimately determining that code of conduct violations still warranted prolonged athletic bans from organization-sanctioned programs, as reported by Global News.