NHLPA Responds to League Statement on Hockey Canada Trial

In response, the NHL Players’ Association issued their own statement.

Sep 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr appear on stage together during a press conference and media event for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images / Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

In the aftermath of the Hockey Canada Trial verdict, the NHL has important decisions to make. The five men accused of sexual assault, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart and Michael McLeod, were acquitted of all charges. In response to the judge’s ruling, the league issued their own statement clarifying that the five men were still ineligible to play in the league.

In response, the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) issued their own statement.

"Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod were acquitted of all charges by Justice Carroccia of the Ontario Superior Court," the NHLPA stated. "After missing more than a full season of their respective NHL careers, they should now have the opportunity to return to work.  The NHL’s declaration that the Players are “ineligible” to play pending its further analysis of the Court's findings is inconsistent with the discipline procedures set forth in the CBA.  We are addressing this dispute with the League and will have no further comment at this time.​"

In a report by Daniel Rainbird of the Canadian Press, he shared the recent history of players, coaches, and executives who returned to the NHL after being involved in sexual assault allegations. The article listed examples, such as Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman. The two were involved in the Chicago Blackhawks' sexual assault scandal of the 2010s. After a multi-year ban from the league, they were reinstated in 2024. Bowman quickly found a job as the general manager of the Oilers. Earlier this summer, the Anaheim Ducks named Quenneville as their new head coach.

The article also listed the Edmonton Oilers' signing of Jake Virtanen to a professional tryout agreement before the 2022 season after he was found not guilty of a sexual assault accusation.

The NHLPA also stated that they are addressing this matter further with the league. They will have no further comment at this time.

The five players cannot return to NHL action until they are reinstated by the league. That ruling has to come down from the commissioner, Gary Bettman. While he and the NHL review the new information from the case, the players will wait to see if they can resume their careers in North America.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

• NHL Issues Statement on Hockey Canada Trial
• Islanders Avoid Arbitration With Young Forward
• Oilers Should Worry About Connor McDavid Extension
• Hockey Canada Defendants Drawing Interest From NHL Teams
• Hurricanes Sign Rising Forward to Massive Extension