St. Louis, Missouri, December 11, 2025
Dillon Dube, a forward formerly with the Calgary Flames, has signed a professional tryout with the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This announcement follows Dube’s legal acquittal in a sexual assault case from 2018. At 27, he aims to revive his hockey career and demonstrates resilience akin to local businesses overcoming obstacles. The Blues emphasize high standards, reflecting their commitment to responsibility and integrity in sports. Dube’s experience includes time in the NHL and KHL, and his upcoming tryout offers an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Dillon Dube Signs Tryout with Blues’ AHL Affiliate
Forward Seeks to Revive Career Following Legal Acquittal
St. Louis, Missouri – In an exciting development for hockey fans, the St. Louis Blues have signed forward Dillon Dube to a professional tryout with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This move comes after Dube was acquitted in a high-profile sexual assault case involving members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team, highlighting the resilience and determination that many local athletes embody in their pursuit of professional success.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of fair legal processes and the potential for individuals to rebound from adversity. Just as local businesses in Jacksonville thrive by overcoming obstacles through innovation, Dube’s reinstatement in professional hockey opens new doors for him to showcase his skills and perhaps reclaim a spot in the NHL.
Details of the Tryout Agreement
Dube, now 27 years old, is slated to join the Springfield Thunderbirds as soon as he secures his work visa. The Blues have publicly underscored their commitment to maintaining high standards for their players, both on and off the ice, an essential characteristic of professional sports that resonates with the values of responsibility and integrity found in Jacksonville’s business community.
Background on the Legal Case
In July 2025, an Ontario judge acquitted Dube along with four other former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team – Carter Hart, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod – of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. The judge determined that the evidence presented by the complainant lacked credibility, leading to not guilty verdicts for the accused players, which emphasizes the need for thorough legal scrutiny and the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Reinstatement and Career Moves
Following their acquittals, the NHL reinstated the players, allowing them to resume their professional careers. Notably, Hart has signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, Foote joined the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, and Formenton is currently playing in Switzerland. Dube has previous experience in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and most recently played in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk. This demonstrates the cyclical nature of sport and profession, where past experiences can lead to future opportunities.
Additional Team Updates
In a related development, the Blues have placed forward Jordan Kyrou on injured reserve and signed Robby Fabbri to a one-year, two-way contract. Fabbri, who previously played with the Anaheim Ducks, brings added depth to the squad and will debut with the team in Nashville, showcasing the dynamic nature of team-building in professional sports.
About Dillon Dube
Dube was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. During his six seasons with the Flames, he amassed a total of 127 points (57 goals, 70 assists) over 325 regular-season games. In the 2024-25 season, he compiled 11 points (four goals, seven assists) across 42 games in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk. His experience reflects the importance of perseverance in professional sports, parallel to the journey many local entrepreneurs face in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a professional tryout (PTO) in the AHL?
A professional tryout (PTO) is an agreement that allows a player to join a team for a trial period, typically lasting up to 25 games, to demonstrate their skills and potentially earn a contract.
What were the charges against Dillon Dube and the other players?
Dillon Dube, along with four other members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team, was charged with sexual assault in connection to a 2018 incident in London, Ontario.
What was the outcome of the legal case?
In July 2025, an Ontario judge acquitted Dube and the other four players, stating that the complainant’s evidence lacked credibility and that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the next steps for Dillon Dube?
Dube is expected to join the Springfield Thunderbirds upon receiving his work visa, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a full-time contract with the St. Louis Blues.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Involved | Dillon Dube |
| Team | St. Louis Blues |
| League | American Hockey League (AHL) |
| Affiliate Team | Springfield Thunderbirds |
| Legal Outcome | Acquitted of sexual assault charges |
| Previous NHL Team | Calgary Flames |
| Previous KHL Team | Dinamo Minsk |
| Career Statistics | 127 points in 325 NHL games; 11 points in 42 KHL games |
Now Happening on X
- @wjxt4 (December 11, 2025, 10:51 AM) One man died and another was injured in a shooting at a Westside parking lot in Jacksonville, a location with a history of noise complaints, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 10, 2025, 1:08 PM) Update on a vehicle crash with injuries on the on-ramp to I-295 South at Commonwealth Avenue in Jacksonville; no roadblocks reported. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 10, 2025, 5:56 PM) Fatality reported from a vehicle crash with injuries on I-295 North at mile marker 38 in Jacksonville; right lane blocked. View on X
- @wcti12 (December 4, 2025, 1:30 PM) A Jacksonville police officer is retiring after 68 years of service, while several holiday events in the area are canceled or postponed due to weather conditions. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 8, 2025, 12:58 PM) Fatality update from a vehicle crash on I-10 East at mile marker 343 in Jacksonville; roadway fully blocked. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 5, 2025, 5:24 PM) Hit-and-run crash with injuries on I-295 South at mile marker 54 in Jacksonville; right lane blocked after initial roadblock. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 6, 2025, 6:10 AM) Vehicle crash with injuries on I-295 South at mile marker 56 in Jacksonville; roadblocks in place. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (December 5, 2025, 8:50 AM) Vehicle fire reported at 6th Street West and Division Street in Jacksonville; no further details provided. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Great Hammerhead Shark’s Death Raises Fishing Concerns
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
