Canadian players acquitted in sexual assault case can return to NHL on Dec 1
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Carl Foote, one the five members of the Canada’s world junior hockey team accused of sexual assault, in London, Ontario, on July 24.
PHOTO: AFP
NEW YORK – Five Canadian ice hockey players who were acquitted of sexual assault charges will be suspended to start the National Hockey League (NHL) season but can return on Dec 1, the league said on Sept 11.
Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart and Cal Foote were all found not guilty in July, after a judge ruled that she did not find the testimony of their accuser “either credible or reliable”.
The five players were charged in 2024 with assaulting the woman in 2018 following a national men’s junior team celebration. All denied wrongdoing, claiming the woman – whose identity is protected – was a willing participant in a series of sex acts.
The NHL said in July they would remain ineligible to play until they were reinstated. The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) said at the time that decision violated collective bargaining rules.
The NHL has been conducting its own investigation into the incident which the league on Sept 11 called “deeply troubling and unacceptable”.
It said in a statement that after meetings with the players and a review of the court proceedings, “we believe their conduct requires formal League-imposed discipline”.
“The conduct at issue falls woefully short of the standards and values that the League and its member clubs expect and demand,” the statement said.
“Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months – including since their acquittals in July – we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than Oct 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than Dec 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years.
“The League expects and requires that, going forward, each of the players will uphold the standards required of NHL players both on and off the ice.”
The 2025-26 NHL season begins on Oct 7.
The case against the five players sent shockwaves throughout Canada, capturing the country’s attention and raising concerns about broader issues in the culture of the national sport.
An initial police investigation into the allegations in 2019 produced no charges. Subsequent media probes revealed Hockey Canada used funds from subscription fees paid by ordinary families for a C$3.55 million (S$3.3 million) out-of-court settlement with the woman, forcing the resignation of Hockey Canada’s leadership.
Amid public uproar, police reopened the case, eventually bringing criminal charges against the players.
The NHLPA, meanwhile, said in a statement it was “pleased” that the players would have the chance to resume their NHL careers.
“We now consider the matter closed and look forward to the players’ return,” it said. AFP
