Judge Delivers Final Verdicts For All 5 Former NHLers in Sexual Assault Trial

After tipping her hand in the morning with some dramatic statements, Justice Maria Carroccia has now handed out her official, final verdicts for the five former NHLers on trial in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case.

The first one to hear his verdict was former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart. He was found not guilty.

Carter Hart found not guilty. The first player to hear his verdicthttps://t.co/t1jwxXpbPi
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 24, 2025

Alex Formenton, who last played in the NHL in 2021-22 with the Ottawa Senators, was next to be found not guilty.

Cal Foote, who last played for the New Jersey Devils in the '23-'24 season, was next up to hear his not guilty verdict. Dillon Dube, who spent all six of his seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, was also found to be innocent.

Michael McLeod, the only one to face two counts, was last to hear his verdict: He, too, was found not guilty—on both counts. Justice Carroccia said the 'consent videos' he filmed with his phone showed 'E.M.' (the accuser) as an “active participant” in the sexual activity in the London, Ont. hotel room back in 2018, supporting reasonable doubt on the issue of consent.

The verdicts cap off a tumultuous year-and-a-half for the players, who were all put on indefinite leave from their teams once the charges were revealed early in 2024.

We'll see if any NHL teams are interested in bringing any of these players back; the most likely to get a second chance will be Hart, an excellent young goalie, something very much in demand around the league.