Hockey Canada Keeps Four Acquitted Players Suspended Amid Safety Culture Push

Four former Canada U‑20 hockey stars will continue to be barred from International play even though they were acquitted of sexual assault charges last year. The independent appeals board said the players’ conduct violated Hockey Canada’s code, unlike the NHL’s separate jurisdiction, which has cleared them for professional play.

Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Carter Hart face suspensions until 2030, while their teammate Alex Formenton has been reinstated.

The ruling, announced on 13 August 2026, draws attention to the ongoing debate over safe sport and the lingering culture issues in men’s hockey, saying “the voices of women and survivors” need accountability.

Hockey Canada said any national sport organisations must address systemic failures and hold the sporting community accountable.