Member of 2018 Team Canada scandal quits hockey for construction blue collar job

A judge hearing the case for the players involved with SA in the WJC Scandal in 2018, has granted 5 hockey players an exemption to skip their pre-trial hearings.

This is due to "compelling economic reasons", of which Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote are named in the case, which stems from their time with Canada's world junior hockey team.

The decision made in August was that Alex Formenton would be excused for 29 days in court thanks to Ontario Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas. The 29 days instead will be devoted to figuring out what can be admitted as legal evidence before a jury.

The charges are in regards to an alleged crime during the WJC 2018 which happened on June 19, 2018, in a hotel room, after a Hockey Canada engagement.

There has been a publication ban in place to protect the identities of the woman involved and two witnesses.

Alex Formenton will plead not guilty through his legal representation and has opted to go to trial in September 2025.

Judge Thomas would write in his decision that all five men involved were "skilled junior hockey players" who since the charges were laid out in 2022 weren't able to find success in the NHL.

Alex Formenton, for example, has given up the idea of playing professional hockey and has begun to work full-time in the construction industry.

He now lives in Barrie, Ontario.

The crown had no objection to Formenton being excused from pre-trial hearings, but they would state it's a "significant accommodation" for the former Ottawa Senator.

He has waived the right to a formal hearing, which will expedite the judicial process. His attorney has been present for him in court but will be present once his trial begins according to court records.

Formenton's absence during these hearings won't hold up progress, but could be revisited later, should he need to be present for an urgent or serious matter in the proceedings.

Source: House of Hockey
Charged Team Canada WJC scandal player Alex Formenton officially retires from hockey at 24