Defenceman Cal Foote, one of the players acquitted in the high-profile 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case, has taken a significant step back into professional hockey. Foote has signed a contract to play in the American Hockey League (AHL), the primary developmental league for the NHL.
From Legal Proceedings to a New Hockey Chapter
The news of Foote's signing comes after a lengthy and highly publicized legal process. In 2022, Foote was among several players charged in connection with an alleged group sexual assault that was said to have occurred in London, Ontario, in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada gala. The case cast a long shadow over Canadian hockey and sparked national conversations about accountability and culture within the sport.
After a trial, Foote was acquitted of all charges in the sexual assault case. The verdict, delivered earlier this year, allowed him the possibility of resuming his hockey career, which had been on hold during the judicial proceedings.
A Professional Career in Flux
Prior to the charges, Cal Foote was an established NHL prospect and player. The son of former NHL veteran Adam Foote, he was a first-round draft pick (14th overall) of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017. He played 141 regular-season games in the NHL, splitting his time between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New Jersey Devils.
His last NHL appearance was for the Devils in a game against the Dallas Stars on March 14, 2024. Following the laying of charges, he was effectively sidelined from the sport as his legal situation unfolded. The new AHL contract represents a crucial opportunity for the 26-year-old defenceman to restart his professional journey on the ice.
Implications and the Road Ahead
Foote's signing is a notable development in the ongoing story of the players involved in the 2018 case. While it marks a personal and professional turning point for him, it also serves as a reminder of the scandal that continues to resonate within Hockey Canada and across the country.
The organization has undergone significant leadership changes and has pledged to reform its culture and safety protocols in the wake of the allegations. Foote's return to professional hockey will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans, media, and advocates who followed the case.
His performance in the AHL will determine if this signing is a stepping stone back to the NHL or the continuation of his career at a different level. For now, the focus shifts from the courtroom back to the rink as Cal Foote attempts to rebuild his life in the sport.
