The NHLPA advocates for the reinstatement of five players acquitted of sexual assault charges, asserting they should be able to return to the NHL after a lengthy absence. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote were cleared of all allegations stemming from an incident in a London hotel seven years ago. Despite the acquittal, the NHL declared the players ineligible pending review of the court's findings, a move the NHLPA argues contradicts their collective bargaining agreement.

The players, all active NHL members at the time of their arrests, have faced significant disruptions in their careers due to these allegations. Formenton, an Ottawa Senators draft choice, hasn’t played since 2022. The NHLPA insists these players deserve the opportunity to resume their professional careers after being cleared of wrongdoing.

The NHL has stated that five players acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in a London, Ontario hotel room seven years ago will remain ineligible to play while the league reviews the judge's findings. The players, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, all part of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team, were found not guilty by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia. The league described the allegations as disturbing and the behavior in question as "unacceptable." Notably, McLeod, Hart, Dubé, and Foote were active players during their arrests in 2024, while Formenton has not played since 2022.

The recent acquittal of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team has stirred significant debate and response in the sports community. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote faced serious allegations dating back to June 19, 2018, involving a sexual assault incident. Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that the complainant's testimony lacked sufficient credibility, citing inconsistencies and a lack of corroborative evidence.

This case, which has garnered attention through various investigations and public discourse, has raised questions about the accountability of athletes and sports organizations. Despite the acquittal, the fallout from the allegations continues to affect the players' careers, with none currently on NHL rosters.

Former players from Canada's World Junior Hockey Team, including Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote, are facing serious sexual assault charges stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred in June 2018. The charges come after a lengthy investigation that began when a woman reported being assaulted by multiple players following a Hockey Canada Foundation event.

The timeline reveals significant events: after being informed about the allegations, Hockey Canada initiated internal investigations while engaging law enforcement. In 2022, public scrutiny grew as details about the incident and a subsequent settlement emerged, leading to calls for accountability and transparency within the organization. The investigation's reopening in July 2022 and its subsequent closure in early 2023 only heightened public interest and concern regarding player conduct and the organization's response.

High-caliber NHL prospect Porter Martone has committed to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 hockey season, following his selection as the sixth overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the recent draft. This commitment revives hope for the Spartans, especially after losing notable recruits like Gavin McKenna to Penn State and Isaac Howard opting to turn pro. Martone joins fellow top-six pick Cayden Lindstrom in bolstering MSU's freshman class, significantly enhancing the team's competition capabilities.

With Martone's addition, Michigan State is poised as a top-five national team and a strong contender for the national championship. His OHL experience and skillset suggest he will make an immediate impact. The Spartans are now regarded as potential favorites alongside Penn State, particularly after recent recruitment challenges.