Accused Former Devils Statements Revealed as Reason to Skip Pretrial Hearings

It’s been eight months since former New Jersey Devils Michael McLeod and Cal Foote were summoned to London, Ontario to appear in court stemming from the accusation of sexual assault within participants from the 2018 Hockey Canada team.

Michael McLeod and Cal Foote Named in 2018 Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Investigation, Face Charges

Since then, McLeod, Foote, and the three other involved parties declared themselves not guilty of the accusation — and the process to solidify a timeline of court dates is firmly underway — although it sounds like it will be a while.

The accused are currently free to resume their lives as they see fit until trial begins, although have not been cleared to return to the NHL.

As a result, none of the parties involved were re-signed by their NHL clubs. Alex Formenton continued his career overseas in Switzerland between 2022 and 2024. However, he has opted to leave hockey and is pursuing a career in construction.

Former Devils defenseman, Cal Foote and former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart have not resumed their playing careers.

However, McLeod and former Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dubé have both signed in the KHL.

Report: Former Devils Forward Michael McLeod Signs in KHL

According to The Globe and Mail, provided a statement to court about fading hockey hopes as part of a successful application to skip non-essential hearings so he can continue their playing careers.

McLeod — playing for Barys Astana — issued the following statement:

“Since I was charged, I have been unable to play in the National Hockey League,” writes McLeod via The Globe and Mail. “When court day starts at 10:00 a.m. EST, it will be 7:00 p.m. in Astana, which is the time when some home games will start.”

Cal Foote has not resumed his playing career, yet issued the following:

“I am required to follow a daily and stringent training regimen,” says Foote. “If I am unable to train at this level consistently, my ability to continue playing professional hockey will be jeopardized.”

As a result of the successful applications, McLeod, Foote, and the other accused parties are excused from any non-essential pretrial proceedings and can continue to train in their profession.

According to The Globe and Mail, “Nearly 30 court days have been scheduled for pretrial hearings that will last until January, none of which the players will be required to attend.

“While the onus is on an accused in Canada to attend criminal court hearings, applications for absences are commonplace, but require permission from a judge. Each of the players swore an affidavit this summer.”

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