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Hockey Canada upholds four suspensions on 2018 World Junior team

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Hockey Canada says five players from the 2018 World Junior Hockey Team have been accused of breaching the Hockey Canada code of conduct.

The organization made the announcement Wednesday, saying they completed their appeal process into the case and have accepted the recommendations.

Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé and Michael McLeod were charged with sexual assault during an alleged incident in June 2018 in London, Ontario.

The high-profile case ended with all five being acquitted of the charges in July 2025.

The appeal board has recommended one player be reinstated immediately, and that the other four have staggered suspensions and reinstatement dates.

  • 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

Any suspended player will be ineligible to represent Canada internationally or participate in any Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.

Hockey Canada said that the independent process “did not conclude that any other player on the 2018 National Junior Team breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct,” and that those players are eligible for consideration to participate in Hockey Canada-sanctioned events.

Despite that, any player who wishes to play on a national team will still be subject to Hockey Canada’s new, enhanced screening process. That process includes a third-party review of the 2018 findings regarding the World Junior team.

The National Hockey League (NHL) reinstated all five players as of Dec. 1, but currently, only Hart plays in the league.

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Saint John Sea Dogs coach named to World Juniors coaching staff

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The new head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs has already picked up a second job.

Three coaches from the Canadian Hockey League will join Team Canada at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer and Edmonton, and Jim Hulton will be one.

Hulton will represent the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League on a staff led by head coach Misha Donskov this winter.

He’ll be joined by Brad Lauer of the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs and Drew Bannister of the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds.

Junior team general manager Alan Millar said each coach brings a unique set of skills and perspectives along with their experience.

“We are confident this staff will create an environment that allows our players to succeed and proudly represent Canada as we prepare for the World Juniors,” Millar said in a press release.

Hulton was named head coach of the Sea Dogs in June after 11 seasons as head coach of the Charlottetown Islanders.

The national junior team will begin preparations for the 2027 tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ont., July 26 to Aug. 1.

Canada will be joined at the event by Finland, Sweden and the United States.

The 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

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NHL suspends five players acquitted in World Juniors sexual assault trial

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The NHL has temporarily suspended the five hockey players recently acquitted of sexual assault.

In July, they were acquitted of charges from the 2018 World Juniors in London, Ontario.

But according to reports, the NHL says they conducted their own third-party investigation.

They says league members must behave with the highest moral integrity.

The players did not commit a crime, but their behaviour did not meet that standard.

The suspension lasts until December and considers they have been away from the game nearly two years.