In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through professional hockey, the National Hockey League has temporarily banned four players from its upcoming season while authorities continue their investigation into sexual assault allegations stemming from a 2018 incident involving Canada’s World Junior team.
The four players—Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Dillon Dubé of the Calgary Flames—have been placed on indefinite leave as legal proceedings unfold in London, Ontario. The NHL’s decision came shortly after all four players surrendered to London police to face sexual assault charges related to an alleged incident at a Hockey Canada gala.
“The integrity of our league and the trust of our fans demands that we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated in a press conference Wednesday. “While we respect the presumption of innocence, the nature of these charges requires decisive action pending the outcome of both legal proceedings and our own internal investigation.”
The allegations date back to June 2018 following a Hockey Canada Foundation event, where a woman identified in court documents as “E.M.” reported that multiple members of the gold medal-winning World Junior team sexually assaulted her at a hotel. The case initially stalled when London police closed their investigation in 2019, but was reopened in 2022 following intense public scrutiny and parliamentary hearings into Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
The NHL’s own investigation, conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block, has been running parallel to the criminal proceedings. League officials confirmed they have interviewed over 40 witnesses, including the accused players and the complainant, while reviewing extensive documentary evidence.
For the teams involved, the suspensions create significant roster challenges just weeks before training camps are set to open. The New Jersey Devils are particularly affected, losing two regular contributors in McLeod and Foote. “We’re cooperating fully with the league’s direction while focusing on preparing for the upcoming season with the players available to us,” said Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
Hockey Canada has faced intense criticism for its handling of the initial complaint, including revelations that the organization maintained a special fund partially supported by minor hockey registration fees to settle sexual assault claims. This led to major sponsors temporarily withdrawing support and a complete overhaul of Hockey Canada’s leadership structure.
Legal experts suggest the case may represent a turning point in how sports organizations address sexual misconduct. “Professional sports leagues can no longer sweep these issues under the rug,” said Toronto-based sports attorney Melissa Davidson. “The NHL’s action signals that allegations of this nature will be treated with appropriate gravity regardless of a player’s status.”
The players’ legal representatives have uniformly stated their clients will vigorously contest the charges, with trial dates expected to be set later this year. If convicted, the players could face significant prison sentences under Canadian law.
As this case unfolds against the backdrop of hockey’s cultural reckoning, one question remains particularly troubling: How many similar incidents have gone unreported in a sport culture that has historically prioritized team loyalty and silence over accountability and victim protection?
