Cal Foote acquitted sexual assault return to professional hockey Chicago Wolves marks controversial chapter in hockey's handling of off-ice conduct

The 2018 incident and criminal charges that changed everything

The allegations stemmed from an incident that occurred in June 2018, when members of Canada’s gold medal-winning world junior hockey team attended a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. The woman, identified only as EM, met the players at a bar and later went to a hotel room with forward Michael McLeod. What transpired afterward became the subject of an intense eight-week trial that captivated Canadian sports fans and raised difficult questions about consent, intoxication, and athlete privilege.

Five players—Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and Dillon Dube—were formally charged with sexual assault in early 2024. The charges forced immediate action from their respective NHL teams. Foote and McLeod, both playing for the New Jersey Devils at the time, were placed on indefinite leave on January 24, 2024. The Devils declined to extend qualifying offers to either player that summer, making them unrestricted free agents.

The trial revealed complex details about the night in question. EM testified that while she initially consented to sex with McLeod, she did not consent to subsequent sexual acts with other players and felt fearful of the men. Defence lawyers argued she was a willing participant who later experienced regret. Central to the case were two videos from the incident, one recorded without EM’s knowledge, which the judge said showed her “speaking normally, smiling” and not appearing distressed.

Inside the acquittal: What the judge decided

On July 24, 2025, Justice Maria Carroccia delivered her verdict after carefully reviewing testimony and evidence. She ultimately found all five players not guilty, stating she did not find EM’s evidence “credible or reliable” and that “the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts.”

The judge pointed to irregularities in EM’s testimony, including inconsistencies about who purchased drinks that night. She noted differences between what the woman told police investigators and what she told Hockey Canada officials during a civil lawsuit that resulted in a C$3.5 million settlement in 2022. Justice Carroccia also observed that EM’s memory reflected “uncertain memory” that did not align with evidence presented during the trial.

Defence lawyers successfully argued that EM’s testimony was undermined by eyewitness accounts from two players present in the room who were not charged. Both testified that the woman was “vocal” about her sexual desires. While the videos could not legally establish consent under Canadian law, the judge noted they showed EM did not appear intoxicated to the point of incapacity.

The verdict sparked immediate controversy. Protesters outside the courthouse held signs reading “We believe her” and “Justice for EM.” EM’s lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, said her client was “very disappointed” with the judge’s assessment of her credibility. “When a person summons the courage to disclose their story, the worst possible outcome is to feel disbelieved,” Bellehumeur stated.

NHL suspension and the path back to professional hockey

Despite the criminal acquittal, the NHL conducted its own review of the players’ conduct. In September 2025, the league announced that while the players’ actions were not criminal, they did not meet the “highest level of moral integrity.” The NHL suspended all five players until December 1, 2025, but made them eligible to sign contracts beginning October 15.

This middle-ground decision reflected the league’s attempt to balance the legal outcome with its responsibility to maintain standards of conduct. The suspension period allowed teams to assess whether to take on the public relations implications of signing players involved in such a high-profile case.

During the suspension, players took different paths:

• Carter Hart signed a two-year, $2 million annual contract with the Vegas Golden Knights in mid-October and played conditioning games with the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights
• Michael McLeod returned to Avangard Omsk in the KHL, where he had played during the 2024-25 season
• Alex Formenton continued playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League
• Dillon Dube remained unsigned after playing for Dinamo Minsk in the KHL during the 2024-25 season
• Cal Foote spent the 2024-25 season with MHk 32 Liptovský Mikuláš in Slovakia, where he posted 30 points in 38 games

Chicago Wolves contract: A new beginning for Cal Foote

On December 1, 2025, the Chicago Wolves announced they had signed Foote to a one-year AHL contract. The Wolves, who serve as the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, offered Foote a path back to North American professional hockey without guaranteeing an NHL opportunity.

The contract structure is significant. As an AHL-only deal, Foote would need to sign a separate NHL contract to be eligible for a call-up to Carolina. This arrangement allows the Wolves to add a veteran defenceman with 145 games of NHL experience while giving Foote a platform to demonstrate he still belongs in top-tier professional hockey.

Foote’s last AHL action came during the 2023-24 season with the Utica Comets, where he recorded nine points in 24 games. He also appeared in four NHL games for New Jersey that season before the charges forced him out of the league. His performance in Slovakia demonstrated he maintained his offensive touch, finishing third on his team in scoring as a defenceman.

The Chicago Wolves have not publicly commented on the signing beyond the official announcement, a pattern consistent with how other teams have handled acquitted players’ returns. The organization likely weighed the potential backlash against adding a player with Foote’s talent and experience level at the AHL price point.

Looking ahead: What’s next for Cal Foote and the other acquitted players

Foote’s performance with the Chicago Wolves will determine his next career steps. A strong showing could lead to NHL interest, whether from Carolina or another team willing to take a chance on a 6’4” defenceman with his pedigree. As a former first-round pick and Stanley Cup champion, he possesses credentials that make him an attractive depth option.

The NHL’s December 1 reinstatement date creates a natural checkpoint. Teams can now evaluate these players in game action, either in the AHL or European leagues, before making roster decisions. While Foote starts in the AHL, Hart sits on the verge of his Vegas debut, potentially breaking the ice for others to follow.

The long-term legacy of this case extends beyond these five players. Hockey Canada has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations, leading to leadership changes and policy reforms. The organization settled with EM for C$3.5 million in 2022, though the criminal verdict undermined aspects of that civil case.

For survivors of sexual assault, the case represents the difficulty of achieving justice in a system that demands absolute certainty. For the players, it demonstrates that even acquittal comes with professional consequences that may linger throughout their careers. The Chicago Wolves signing offers Cal Foote a chance at redemption, but whether hockey fans and the broader public are ready to welcome him back remains an open question.

The next chapter of this story will be written on the ice, where performance has always been the ultimate currency in professional sports. Foote’s ability to contribute at a high level will determine if this AHL contract becomes a stepping stone or a final destination in a once-promising career interrupted by one night in London, Ontario.