Justice Denied, Again: Hockey Canada’s Suspensions Reaffirmed

The acquittal of four Canadian hockey players on sexual assault charges last year was a hollow victory for those who believed justice had been served. The independent appeal board’s decision to maintain their suspensions from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs has underscored the lack of accountability in this case.

Hockey Canada’s code of conduct is clear: no tolerance for sexual assault. Yet, despite being acquitted by a court of law, these players are still facing disciplinary action. This raises questions about what an innocent verdict means in terms of exoneration.

The acquittal was contentious. In July 2025, the five players – Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod – were found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman known as “E.M.” at a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont.

While this verdict brought closure for some, it’s clear that the fallout from these allegations is far from over. The continued suspensions are a testament to Hockey Canada’s commitment to upholding its code of conduct. However, they also raise questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the appeals process.

The players in question have had successful careers in the NHL. Hart signed with the Vegas Golden Knights this year and played a key role in their championship run. Dube is now playing for St. Louis, while McLeod has spent time in both the Kontinental Hockey League and the Swedish league. Formenton has been plying his trade in Switzerland.

The contrast between these men’s lives on and off the ice is stark. While they may be innocent of the crimes with which they were charged, their actions – or lack thereof – have had real-world consequences for the victim, “E.M.” The acquittal highlights broader issues within our society, where #MeToo has brought attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment.

However, when it comes to high-profile cases like this one, the justice system seems woefully inadequate. This case has brought much-needed attention to the need for better support systems and consequences for those accused of misconduct. Hockey Canada must take a hard look at its policies and procedures, ensuring that they’re doing everything in their power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

For now, however, the silence is deafening. The acquittal may have brought closure for some, but it’s clear that justice has been denied – again. As we move forward, one thing is certain: the question of what happened at that 2018 Hockey Canada gala will continue to haunt us all.