Ex-Flyers goalie Carter Hart previously refused entry into U.S. amid Hockey Canada scandal involvement: Reports
Five former NHL players allegedly involved in the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal have received permission from a judge to skip pre-trial motions related to the case. According to a report by CBC, Ontario Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas allowed them to skip the pre-trial due to "compelling economic reasons."
The five Hockey Canada players involved in the scandal, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Dillon Dube, are no longer associated with any NHL team. While Formenton has reportedly moved on from hockey altogether, the others are still practicing in their personal capacity to continue their playing careers.
Former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart mentioned that he intends to move to Tennessee to work out full-time with a former professional hockey player, as per a report by The Globe and Mail.
“If I am required to attend the pre-trial motions, whether in person or remotely, it would be impossible for me to maintain my daily training regimen. I have been previously denied entry to the United States due to my criminal charge,” he said.
His affidavit also mentioned that he hired an immigration lawyer.
Alex Formenton retires from NHL amid Hockey Canada sexual assault charges to pursue new line of work
With regards to the Hockey Canada players involved in the case, they are seeking new opportunities abroad. Alex Formenton has seemingly called it quits on his hockey career.
“I have been learning to operate excavators, skid-steer loaders, and rollers ... Having focused on hockey my entire life, it is challenging to transition to a new line of work,” he mentioned in his affidavit.
Formenton said this shift in trade will not allow him to attend the pre-trial motion as he comes to terms with his new profession.
All five accused have indicated that they will plead not guilty and will opt for a jury trial. The trial is scheduled to start in September 2025.