CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada received notice today that the appeal process of the November 10, 2023, independent adjudicative panel’s report has concluded.

The independent appeal board confirmed that five players from the 2018 National Junior Team breached the Hockey Canada code of conduct, with the following continued suspensions and reinstatement dates recommended to, and accepted by, Hockey Canada:

· Alex Formenton: reinstated immediately

· Cal Foote: suspended until November 10, 2026

· Carter Hart: suspended until November 10, 2027

· Dillon Dubé: suspended until November 10, 2028

· Michael McLeod: suspended until November 10, 2030

The players had been formally suspended from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs, pending the completion of the appeal process.

As the independent investigation did not conclude that any other player on the 2018 National Junior Team breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, those players are eligible for consideration to participate in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned program, effective immediately.

However, any player under consideration to play on a national team will be subject to Hockey Canada’s enhanced screening process, which will continue to include a third-party review of the findings regarding the 2018 National Junior Team before being eligible to represent Canada internationally.

The code of conduct investigation began in 2018 under Hockey Canada’s previous Investigation and Adjudication Procedures, which provides that the investigative and adjudicative processes are confidential, and Hockey Canada is required to hold documents relating to an investigation in confidence to the extent possible.

The independent appeal board was composed of the Hon. John I. Laskin, the Hon. Katherine E. Swinton and the Hon. Thomas J. McEwen.

Hockey Canada became a full signatory to Abuse-Free Sport and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner when it began in 2022 and transitioned in 2025 to the new Canadian Safe Sport program, which currently receives any maltreatment complaints involving Hockey Canada national team members.

As the appeal board’s decision brings this matter to a close, Hockey Canada thanks the investigator, all members of the independent adjudicative panel and independent appeal board for their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the investigative and adjudicative processes and the significant amount of time they devoted to this matter.

We recognize our role and responsibility to be a leader in delivering a sport that is rooted in safety, inclusiveness and respect.

Our new board of directors and leadership team have implemented significant actions to help transform the culture and safety of hockey since 2022, which includes prioritizing addressing education and training, sport integrity and governance in hockey.

As part of our commitment to being transparent and accountable to Canadians, last July we published an update on our comprehensive Action Plan , which includes changes that have been made and initiatives that remain ongoing priorities for our organization.

With player registrations across Canada continuing to rise , we recognize this increases the need for hockey to be more safe, welcoming and inclusive, and we look forward to continuing to make progress in these areas and ensuring a healthier hockey for all Canadians.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow through social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok.