Sweden\u2019s F\u00e4rjestad BK announced on Thursday that it is backing out of its contract with defenceman Cal Foote, two days after signing the 27-year-old defenceman.<\/p>\n
The club said the decision came after it heard concerns, disappointment and questions about the signing.<\/p>\n
Foote was one of five former members of Canada\u2019s 2018 World Junior hockey team charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred in June of 2018 in London, Ont.<\/p>\n
Foote and the others \u2013 Carter Hart<\/a>, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Alex Formenton \u2013 were acquitted of the charges last July.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are aware of the history. We conducted extensive research and a careful assessment before making our decision. We hold everyone who represents F\u00e4rjestad BK to high standards and feel confident in welcoming Cal to the club,\u201d sporting director Rickard Wallin said, per a translation earlier this week.<\/p>\n Foote posted four goals and 18 points in 30 games with the AHL\u2019s Chicago Wolves last season, adding three goals and 11 points in 21 playoff games. <\/p>\n He was selected 14th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> in the 2017 draft. He was playing for the New Jersey Devils<\/a> when he was charged in 2024.<\/p>\n Foote spent the 2024-25 season with Slovakia\u2019s Liptovsky Mikulas HK, scoring three goals and adding 27 assists in 38 games. <\/p>\n