A judge in London, Ontario, found Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote not guilty of sexual assault in July. They were initially charged in connection with allegations stemming from the aftermath of a 2018 gala …
So, remember that whole Hockey Canada scandal that had us all wondering if we should still support our favorite sport or just take up knitting instead? Well, fast forward to July 2025, and five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey Team were acquitted of sexual assault charges related to an incident at a Hockey Canada gala. Cue the collective sigh of relief—or maybe it was just a sigh of confusion, because let’s be real, this whole situation has been a whirlwind.
After their acquittal, the NHL decided to reinstate the players, which means they can lace up their skates and hit the ice starting December 1, 2025. One of the players, Alex Formenton, wasted no time and recently signed with the Edmonton Oilers. I guess the Oilers are banking on him being more than just a pretty face; they’re hoping he can actually put the puck in the net.
However, it’s not all sunshine and goals. Following the acquittals, a Hockey Canada appeal board swooped in like a referee with a penalty call and ruled that three of the five players had breached the organization’s code of conduct. This resulted in an extended ban from national programs for those three. It’s like they got a second chance, but not quite the full package. Talk about mixed signals!
Now, the paths of these players are as varied as the number of ways to make a sandwich. Some are diving back into their hockey careers, while others are navigating the murky waters of public perception. You know, the kind where people remember the scandal more than the slap shot that made you a household name.
Formenton’s signing with the Oilers is more than just a fresh start; it’s a chance to prove that he can still play the game after everything that went down. And let’s face it, the Oilers could use a little extra firepower in their lineup. But will fans accept him back with open arms, or will they still be side-eyeing him like he just tried to cut in line at a coffee shop?
Meanwhile, the other players are left figuring out their next moves. Some might continue their careers overseas, while others could consider hanging up their skates for good. The reality is that the sport they once loved is now a double-edged sword. Sure, they can play again, but the stigma of the scandal is like a shadow that just won’t go away.
In the end, it’s a classic case of ‘what now?’ for these players. They’ve been acquitted, but the road to redemption is long and winding. Will they be able to regain the trust of fans and sponsors, or will they forever be known as ‘those guys from the scandal’? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the world of hockey is watching, and it’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Inspired by: “Five acquitted players on different paths” (r/Lifestyle)