In a shocking turn of events, five current and former NHL players, including Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod, are facing sexual assault charges related to an alleged incident in London, Ontario, back in 2018.
According to Outkick, while some players are trying to push forward with their hockey careers, Formenton has reportedly made the decision to retire from the sport and embark on a new career in construction.
Formenton, a former second-round pick of the Ottawa Senators, had been playing abroad in Switzerland for the past two seasons with the Ambri-Piotta team.
However, court records indicate that Formenton has “moved on from a hockey career” and is now working full-time in construction, receiving ongoing training in heavy equipment operation and administrative duties in his new field.
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This major career shift comes amidst ongoing legal battles, with a trial tentatively scheduled for September 2025, though it could potentially begin as early as April 2025 if pre-trial motions are completed.
The judge in the case has allowed the players to miss pre-trial motions to focus on their careers and cover their mounting legal fees.
As the judge noted, “It is clear each of the applicants has a need to work or find work not only to sustain themselves, but to pay their expenses.”
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While McLeod and Dube have secured deals to play in the KHL for the upcoming season, both Hart and Foote are currently teamless, though they are committed to maintaining their training regimen in hopes of continuing their professional hockey careers.
As this highly publicized case continues to develop, it remains to be seen how it will impact the futures of these athletes, both on and off the ice.
Outkick reports that all five players plan to attend the trial when it begins, which could potentially bring about more significant changes to their lives and careers.
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