EN / FR

Affiliate Sites

Team Canada

Play

Lead

Schedule

Initiatives

Search

SPOTLIGHT

Hockey Canada statement to stakeholders

August 24, 2022

Over the last few months, Hockey Canada has been answering questions from Canadians and our partners about how we will ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of everyone participating in and enjoying the game of hockey in Canada. We have recently released an Action Plan to address systemic issues in hockey and ensure greater safety and inclusiveness in and around Canada’s game. We know we have an opportunity to do more to address behaviours that undermine the many good things the game brings to our country. With our Action Plan, we are aiming to do just that. We encourage everyone to read this plan and we welcome any feedback you may have.

In addition to outlining what Hockey Canada will do as we move forward, we have also answered questions Canadians have about two disturbing allegations – at the Hockey Canada Foundation’s London Gala in June 2018 and during the IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax in 2003 – and how we respond to claims of sexual misconduct. We understand why Canadians want answers about the allegations of sexual assault relating to 2018 and 2003, and they want to see appropriate consequences for any criminal behaviour or wrongdoing. Hockey Canada shares that desire and is taking every step within our power to support the ongoing investigations into the allegations by local police and independent investigators.

Given the importance of these issues, we know Hockey Canada’s Members want us to explain to them directly how we are handling them. To be transparent, we want to explain our approach to sexual misconduct issues, how we have dealt with these two allegations in particular, and our commitment to continued improvement going forward.

Hockey Canada’s Approach to Sexual Misconduct

To be clear, even one instance of sexual misconduct within our sport is too many. There is no place for abuse or maltreatment of or by the people who participate in hockey at any level. Hockey Canada wants people to feel empowered and safe when they speak up if they witness or experience unacceptable behaviour such as racism, bullying, sexual abuse or assault, or other forms of maltreatment.

When Hockey Canada does learn of allegations of sexual misconduct, we take a series of steps that are intended to provide support to the victim, ensure there are thorough, independent investigations to identify wrongdoing, and put in place an external panel who can determine the appropriate sanction for any breach of our code of conduct.

Hockey Canada will soon become a full signatory to the Sport Canada Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which will oversee all complaints, allegations and/or concerns with national programming. Hockey Canada will coordinate its efforts to investigate and sanction sexual misconduct with OSIC to ensure that any alleged incidents of sexual misconduct are fully investigated and addressed.

Hockey Canada’s National Equity Fund

Given some of the misconceptions regarding the National Equity Fund, we want to share with you the history of the Fund and how it has been used.

The National Equity Fund is a segregated account used for purposes relating to insurance and risk management. It is not a “slush fund” – it is a means for Hockey Canada to support anyone who might have been injured or harmed where insurance policies were insufficient. This has been considered a best financial practice for sport organizations. As Barry Lorenzetti, President and CEO of BFL Canada, Hockey Canada’s insurance broker, recently explained to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on July 27, it is common practice and prudent risk management for a sports organization to maintain a reserve fund of this type.

The Fund was first established in 1986, when Hockey Canada self-insured and did not purchase insurance policies to protect against potential liabilities. In the mid-1990s, Hockey Canada began purchasing insurance, but insurance does not cover all potential liabilities. It was in this context, and out of an interest in ensuring that Hockey Canada had the ability to fund uninsured claims that fall outside our available insurance coverage, that the Fund was designated as the account used for settlements of uninsured claims.

Today, the Fund is predominantly used to pay premiums and deductibles for commercial general liability and directors’ and officers’ liability policies and to support safety, wellness, and equity initiatives (including concussion research, criminal record checks for volunteers and employees, and donations to wellness organizations). Approximately 95% of payments from the Fund since 1995 have been for these purposes.

Uninsured claims include, in some cases, claims relating to sexual misconduct, but these were only a small portion of payments from the Fund. From 1995 (when Hockey Canada first purchased insurance policies) through 2021, the percentage of payments from the Fund to resolve alleged sexual misconduct claims was less than 4% of the total.

The National Equity Fund is funded through a designated insurance fee of $13.65 charged to Hockey Canada participants, as well as the returns on investment of those funds. Those fees and the investment returns are collected and held separately from other fees and revenues to ensure that the funds are only used for their designated purposes.

The Fund is externally audited annually and is clearly identified in the organization’s annual financial statements. Hockey Canada never kept its use of the Fund to pay uninsured claims secret. However, in light of the public’s concern about use of membership insurance fees to settle uninsured sexual misconduct claims, these payments have been put on hold pending an independent governance review that will determine, among other things, whether this use of the Fund continues to be appropriate for a sport organization like Hockey Canada.

Hockey Canada’s Response to the June 2018 Allegations

We recognize that Canadians have questions about how Hockey Canada responded to allegations of sexual misconduct in June 2018. Hockey Canada took the following steps after learning of the allegations through a telephone call from the young woman’s step-father at around 9:30 am on the morning of June 19, 2018:

(a) Within an hour, Hockey Canada’s Director of Human Resources called the step-father to ask him for details. At the time, it was unclear whether the young woman intended to make a complaint to the police.

(b) Hockey Canada convened its senior leadership team around 1:00 pm, shortly after CEO Tom Renney and COO Scott Smith landed in Calgary. Hockey Canada wanted advice about responding to a situation where a family member alleges sexual misconduct occurred, but the alleged victim does not wish to go to the police.

(c) Around 2:00 pm, Hockey Canada determined that it would speak to the London Police Service, but wanted to speak to the young woman’s family first.

(d) Around 3:00 pm, Hockey Canada spoke to the young woman’s mother, who told them that she spoke to the police. The police told the young woman’s mother there was nothing they could do if the young woman did not come forward. Hockey Canada discussed this information internally and confirmed it would still report the incident to the police.

(e) Around 5:00 pm, Hockey Canada called the London Police Service to report the allegations. Approximately 90 minutes later, a detective at the London Police Service called Hockey Canada back to advise that they had spoken with the young woman and that she did not wish to participate in a police investigation.

On June 26, Hockey Canada informed Sport Canada about the allegations and the actions we were taking. The Sport Canada representative specifically told Hockey Canada to provide only general details of the allegations and not to provide specific details of the incident. Sport Canada also praised the diligence of Hockey Canada’s response.

Hockey Canada’s Investigation into the June 2018 Incident

On June 19, 2018, Hockey Canada retained Danielle Robitaille of Henein Hutchison LLP, one of Canada’s leading law firms in criminal law and internal investigations, to conduct an independent investigation. As Ms. Robitaille told the Heritage Committee, Henein Hutchison alone decided the steps to take over the course of her investigation.

Henein Hutchison acted quickly. On June 25, they reached out to the young woman’s mother to offer the young woman an opportunity to make a witness statement. The mother told the investigators that the young woman needed some time to consider her options. Henein Hutchison followed up on June 28 and July 6.

On June 26, 2018, Henein Hutchison wrote to all 19 players who attended the London Gala and began in-person interviews of the players four days later. The investigators interviewed 10 players by early July, but the young woman and 9 players chose not to participate because of the ongoing police investigation. Henein Hutchison determined that it could not continue interviewing any of the remaining players without the young woman’s participation.

We do not know the details of the London Police Service’s investigation, but we understand that any players who were asked to participate in that investigation did so, and that the police also had the opportunity to speak with the young woman. Ultimately, the London Police concluded its investigation in February 2019 without laying charges on any players.

Between February 2019 and April 2020, Henein Hutchison repeatedly asked the young woman’s lawyer whether she would participate in its investigation. She ultimately declined to do so, as is her right. As Ms. Robitaille told the Heritage Committee, she concluded in September 2020 that it would not be appropriate or in line with best investigatory practices to continue with the investigation without a statement from the young woman. That is because, without the young woman’s participation, any factual conclusions arising from the investigation would have been unreliable and even potentially misleading.

Henein Hutchison therefore recommended to Hockey Canada in September 2020 that its investigation be terminated, without limiting its ability to restart the investigation in the future if circumstances were to change. Hockey Canada accepted this advice and instructed Henein Hutchison to close its investigation.

At the Heritage Committee hearing on June 20, 2022, Scott Smith made clear that if the young woman wanted to participate in the investigation, then Hockey Canada would reopen the investigation. This led to discussions between Hockey Canada’s lawyer and the young woman’s lawyer about whether and how the young woman might participate in a reopened investigation. After some time to reflect, on July 9, the young woman agreed to participate in the investigation in a way that worked for the investigator, and Hockey Canada instructed Henein Hutchison to re-open the investigation, which is underway.

Hockey Canada has since confirmed publicly that it will impose sanctions, up to and including a bar on further participation in any Hockey Canada programs, on any player who refuses to participate in Henein Hutchison’s investigation.

Henein Hutchison will deliver its completed investigation report to an independent panel of three adjudicators, who will determine the appropriate sanction for any confirmed breaches of Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, up to and including a lifetime ban from participation in any Hockey Canada activities.

Response to the Statement of Claim in May 2022

On April 20, 2022, the young woman issued a statement of claim in the Superior Court of Justice in London, Ontario. The pleading includes allegations of serious and abhorrent misconduct against Hockey Canada and eight unnamed players based on the events of June 18–19, 2018. Hockey Canada was never made aware of these specific allegations until early May 2022.

A statement of claim is a public document that resides in a court file. From the moment it is issued, it can be viewed by the public. It would be impossible to “cover up” the claim or its contents, and Hockey Canada never tried to do so.

A unique feature of the claim is that it sought a “sealing order” to protect both the plaintiff’s identity and the identities of the eight John Doe defendants. It is highly unusual for a plaintiff to seek to protect the identity of unrelated defendants. As her lawyer recently confirmed to the CBC, the young woman did not want the players’ identities made public.

The allegations in the claim have been heavily discussed in the press and on social media. Hockey Canada has tried to make clear that the claim’s allegations concerning its response to the incident are simply inaccurate. Hockey Canada always takes reports of sexual assault seriously, encourages complaints to be brought forward, and acted swiftly to report and investigate the young woman’s allegations.

After reviewing the claim and with the advice of professional advisors, Hockey Canada, who was the host and organizer of the event where the alleged incident occurred, decided that the most appropriate course of action was to engage in settlement discussions with the complainant. The Board authorized a maximum dollar limit that could be used in legal counsels’ settlement negotiations, and it relied on Hockey Canada’s advisors to then negotiate and document the settlement.

Hockey Canada has heard a lot of criticism from the public and members of the Heritage Committee for this decision. They asked why Hockey Canada would settle the claim if the allegations against it were unproven or false. This criticism fails to consider the alternative to a prompt settlement. Hockey Canada could have defended the claim and forced the young woman to pursue a contested and protracted legal battle, but we did not think that was the appropriate response to her claim.

A lawsuit such as this would have involved intense public scrutiny of all allegations and behaviours, public testimony, cross-examination, and defence tactics which could include attacking the credibility and character of the young woman. It could also have led to her identity being known to the public against her wishes which is not something Hockey Canada wished to see.

We determined to pursue a mutually agreeable settlement with appropriate privacy provisions to protect the complainant’s identity in accordance with her wishes. The young woman was represented by skilled counsel and agreed to the settlement willingly.

In this case, as in virtually every case, the terms of a proposed settlement were discussed between Hockey Canada’s lawyer and the plaintiff’s lawyer at a high level before pen was put to paper. It was understood and agreed to in advance that the settlement would include a full and final release of all parties, no admission of liability by any defendants, and confidentiality terms. These terms of settlement are a common feature of civil litigation, including sexual misconduct litigation, and were agreed to by both parties and their lawyers. As the young woman’s lawyer recently confirmed to the CBC, the terms of settlement included confidentiality terms that the young woman requested and agreed to. Those terms ensured that she was able to say what she wanted to say publicly about the claim without engaging in an unwanted public spectacle.

One member of the Heritage Committee questioned why Hockey Canada settled the case “on behalf of” the players. This question reveals a misunderstanding of the litigation process. When one defendant wants to settle a case in its entirety, it is common to insist that the plaintiff release all of the defendants from further claims. That is what happened here. It is not a settlement on the other defendants’ behalf, and the release of the players as part of the settlement was not a cover up. It was necessary to bring an end to the lawsuit. But it did not put an end to Hockey Canada’s efforts to investigate the incident once it became clear that the young woman would participate in the investigation and that Henein Hutchison’s independent investigation could be reopened.

Hockey Canada appreciates that some people feel that settling the case quickly and with confidentiality terms was contrary to the public interest. Hockey Canada’s approach to the case was always intended to address the wishes and best interests of the young woman and Hockey Canada. Recently, Hockey Canada and the young woman agreed to amend the confidentiality terms of the settlement to allow her to publicly discuss the events of June 2018 should she choose to do so. As the young woman’s lawyer acknowledged to the CBC, the amendments were initiated by Hockey Canada as a fair and appropriate response to efforts to undermine her credibility via anonymous media reports.

Hockey Canada recently re-opened its investigation. Any players who refuse to cooperate with Henein Hutchison will be sanctioned.

Response to Allegations Surrounding the 2003 Canadian World Junior Team

Last month, disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct by members of the 2003 World Junior hockey team were brought to Hockey Canada’s attention.

During the week of July 4, 2022, Hockey Canada heard a rumour that “something bad” happened at the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax. This rumour was not shared by an alleged victim. At the time, there was no reference to a video or details regarding the nature of the incident. Hockey Canada immediately reported what it had been told to Sport Canada and hired an independent, third-party investigator.

Hockey Canada’s investigator was unable to learn anything further until the evening of July 21, when it received an email from Rick Westhead, a TSN reporter, regarding a video that allegedly depicts a group sexual assault by several Team Canada players on an unconscious woman. None of the information in Mr. Westhead’s email was known to Hockey Canada before that evening.

Hockey Canada reported the information to the Halifax Regional Police via telephone that night. Hockey Canada understands that our call was the first report of this alleged criminal act to the police.

The next steps are now in the hands of the Halifax Regional Police. We have instructed our independent investigator to continue her work and to provide any support or information requested by police.

Conclusion

We know that trust in Hockey Canada has been eroded in the past few months, and we need to rebuild that trust. Canadians are disturbed by what they have read and heard in the media about the events of 2018 and 2003 and about the National Equity Fund. Unfortunately, media reports and politicians’ comments do not always reflect full and accurate facts concerning these important issues, which is why we felt it was important to set out a full explanation in this letter.

Hockey Canada has heard Canadians. We are committed more than ever to fostering a safe and positive environment where people, particularly young people, can experience the enormous benefits of participating in our national sport, whether as a coach, player, official, parent volunteer or fan. We are committed to leading the organization through the changes necessary to restore Canadians' trust in Hockey Canada. The governance review and the implementation of our Action Plan will assist us with making positive changes for the organization and for the game of hockey. We look forward to making Hockey Canada stronger and better in the years to come.

Hockey Canada Foundation to provide $1 million in registration assists in 2024-25

HCF Assist Fund returns for fifth season to remove financial barriers for Canadian children playing hockey

NR.052.24

August 01, 2024

TORONTO, Ontario - The Hockey Canada Foundation has committed $1 million for its Assist Fund during the 2024-25 hockey season, which will be distributed as registration-fee subsidies for young Canadians playing hockey and facing financial barriers.

Since it launched in 2020, the Assist Fund has helped nearly 10,000 Canadian children from diverse backgrounds to participate in competitive and non-competitive hockey, including over 3,000 who identify with Black, Indigenous or racialized communities.

“The Assist Fund is a critical program for our foundation to help more children get on the ice and experience the positive benefits of playing hockey from coast to coast to coast,” said Donna Iampieri, executive director of the Hockey Canada Foundation. “Through the leadership and contributions of our volunteer board of directors, partners, staff and the many Canadians who donate to the Hockey Canada Foundation each year, we are proud to commit $1 million in assists to those who need it the most in our communities.”

Each approved recipient will receive up to a $500 assist, which can be applied to registration fees this season with minor hockey associations sanctioned by Hockey Canada.

To enhance the impact of the Assist Fund, 100 per cent of all donated funds from Canadians will go towards applicants of the program. Donations can be made at AssistFund.HockeyCanadaFoundation.ca.

The application process for the Assist Fund is now open and can be found here.

To learn more about the Hockey Canada Foundation, please visit HockeyCanadaFoundation.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

Giving back through coaching

Guided by influential coaches during her playing days, Shakita Jensen knew she wanted to give back to the game she loved by becoming a coach in her hometown

Shannon Coulter

July 04, 2024

It was a full circle moment for Shakita Jensen when she stepped on the bench as head coach of Team Northwest Territories at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games.

In 2014, she played in the tournament in Alaska. A decade later, she returned to Alaska to coach.

“I felt a lot of emotions,” says Jensen, the national BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award winner in the Competitive category.

Jensen, from the Tahltan First Nation, started as an on-ice volunteer with the Yellowknife Minor Hockey Association in 2014. Since then, her passion for giving back has driven her to continue her coaching journey.

“The hockey community has given me so much that I felt an obligation to want to give back to the hockey community in any way I could,” Jensen says. “When I got back from school, I was like, ‘I should probably try coaching, see if I like it.’ And of course I liked it right away.”

In addition to giving back, a few impactful women who coached Jensen growing up opened her eyes to her own potential journey.

“Having my first female head coach was super cool, and that made me want to get into coaching,” she says. “Growing up, being sometimes the only girl on my hockey teams, not really many women coaching, and then having my first few female coaches thinking, ‘Wow they’re so cool, I want to be like them one day.’”

The position of being a role model and a leader for youth in her community was also a driving factor in wanting to become a coach.

“I’ve had so many influential coaches in my own playing career. [There are] everlasting impacts they can have on their players, not only on the ice, but off the ice as people as well, what you can teach your players as a coach. I felt that I had lots to offer [as a head coach] and I wanted to be there for kids.”

Shakita Jensen coaching Team NWT at a One For All practice.

Jensen was in the right place at the right time to get her first head coaching position. There was a shortage of coaches in her association, so they asked Jensen—who initially applied to be an on-ice helper—if she wanted to be a head coach.

“It was a lot of quick learning and kind of being thrown into it, but I felt confident in myself the whole time,” the 26-year-old explains. “I just tried to network with past coaches as much as I could to have a successful season, which I think I did.”

Early in her career, Jensen decided to apply to be a part of the 2023 Canada Winter Games coaching staff for Team NWT, but she wasn’t selected. However, one of the coaches recommended she apply for the Aboriginal Apprentice Coach program with the Aboriginal Sports Circle.

“They chose one woman and one man from the territory, and it could be from any sport, so I knew that it was a bit of a long shot, but when I heard I got in for hockey, I was super excited.”

Through the apprenticeship program, Jensen was able to attend last year’s Canada Winter Games on Prince Edward Island and work with Team NWT leading up to the event. Afterwards, she became an assistant coach for Team NWT for the 2023 Arctic Winter Games before being promoted to head coach for the 2024 tournament.

“I think that definitely opened a lot of doors,” she says. “It was cool to see the progression and to allow me to gain all the tools and resources that I needed to prepare my team.”

As head coach of Team NWT, the location of each player’s hometowns can often be difficult to navigate—sometimes resulting in very few full team practices before an event.

“It was definitely a challenge wanting to build your team culture and work on your strategies and trying to prepare for a high-performance, short-term competition when your team is scattered all over the territories, in some places that are fly in/fly out or just a lot of money barriers,” she explains. “I think one thing that was super helpful was our ability to connect online leading up to the Games.”

Another huge opportunity for Jensen’s team this year was February’s One For All event in Yellowknife. With more than 300 participants over four days, the event celebrated women’s and girls’ hockey with Try Hockey events, on-ice skills, coaching clinics and more.

Team Northwest Territories and Team Nunavut gathered to practice and face off in an exhibition game.

“It was an overwhelming successful weekend—players putting on their hockey gear for the first time and then other players who were about to be graduating minor hockey,” says Jensen, who volunteered with the event. “It felt super to contribute to that program, give back and hopefully keep that program on a yearly basis here.”

When Jensen found out she was the BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award winner for Hockey North in the Competitive category, she was shocked.

“I was so surprised, kind of caught off guard. I felt so much pride and gratitude.”

Jensen was unsure if she would be able to compete with the great provincial and territorial candidates across the country. But when she saw Cassie Campbell-Pascall on a video call congratulating her for winning the national award, she was in disbelief all over again.

“There are really no words,” she says of winning the national award. “There are so many influential coaches who go unrecognized sometimes for all the work they do. [I’m] really feeling proud of myself, but also feeling proud of everyone else across Canada who’s doing so much for the women’s game.”

SportsPay becomes Preferred Payment Partner of Hockey Canada

National partnership effective immediately

NR.035.24

May 22, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced SportsPay as its Preferred Payment Partner, through a national partnership which is effective immediately.

A leading payment provider for amateur sports organizations in Canada, SportsPay is proudly Canadian and has been a long-time supporter of amateur hockey in Canada.

Through its partnership with Hockey Canada, SportsPay will support the processing of online transactions, including through the Hockey Canada Registry.

“SportsPay prides itself on providing user-friendly experiences to Canadian sport organizations, and we are excited to officially welcome them as Hockey Canada’s Preferred Payment Partner to deliver those experiences to local hockey associations across the country,” said Dean McIntosh, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “The Hockey Canada Registry is used to process hundreds of thousands of registrations each season, and through our partnership with SportsPay, we’re pleased that the platform will continue to meet the needs of our participants and associations.”

"I am very excited to enhance our 20-year relationship with Hockey Canada and to support minor hockey across Canada," said Will Gravlev, president of POSconnect Inc. and creator of SportsPay. "Everyone at SportsPay is continuously committed to providing simple and effective payments for amateur sports and keeping leagues focused on what matters."

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Nominations open for BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award

Program recognizes top women in coaching positions across the country

NR.088.23

December 01, 2023

CALGARY, Alberta – The nomination phase for the BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award is now open, with applications being accepted to recognize the best women behind the bench across Canada until March 31, 2024.

Now in its fifth season, the program has honoured 80 coaches, with representation from all 13 Hockey Canada Members.

“Coaches have such a significant impact on the lives of participants, and each year we are thrilled to celebrate some of the best with the BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award,” said Marin Hickox, vice-president of women’s and girls’ hockey for Hockey Canada. “We are grateful for BFL CANADA’s support of this program and look forward to honouring this year’s winners in the spring.”

Nominations for the Community and Competitive categories can be submitted here.

All provincial and territorial winners will receive bursaries, while the national winners will also participate in professional development opportunities.

The BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award was rebranded this season to reflect Hockey Canada’s commitment to using consistent and inclusive language throughout its women’s and girls’ hockey programs and awards.

A list of last year’s winners can be found here.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Hockey Canada publishes report on maltreatment in sanctioned hockey

Data expands on findings in last year’s inaugural report on Rule 11.4 – Discrimination

NR.087.23

November 30, 2023

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and its Members have published a Tracking Maltreatment in Sanctioned Hockey report, which includes nation-wide data collected during the 2022-23 season from two independent complaint management mechanisms and all rules in Section 11 of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules.

The information contained in this report is an important step in Hockey Canada’s ongoing efforts to better track, identify and respond to maltreatment in hockey.

In December 2022, Hockey Canada and its Members published a report of all incidents of verbal taunts, insults or intimidation based on discriminatory grounds which occurred during the 2021-22 season, under Rule 11.4 – Discrimination.

The Tracking Maltreatment in Sanctioned Hockey report includes a broader scope of tracked maltreatment behaviours, including:

• Complaint intake data from Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP);
• Ice hockey complaint intake data from the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC);
• Tracking of Rule 11.4 penalties and allegations from all 13 Members;
• Data from a pilot project that tracked other types of Rule 11 penalties in specific Hockey Canada Member jurisdictions.

“The Tracking Maltreatment in Sanctioned Hockey report is critical in our efforts to identify and take action against egregious behaviours that have no place in hockey and sport in general,” said Natasha Johnston, vice-president of sport safety for Hockey Canada. “We will continue to be transparent in publicly sharing the data we collect with our Members and use the insights to better inform our collective actions moving forward.

“With our Members, we are committed to expanding reporting on maltreatment in sanctioned hockey during the 2023-24 season as well as working to prevent and address maltreatment behaviours in sanctioned hockey programming. As we continue to build greater awareness and facilitate greater opportunities and trust for individuals to come forward, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in maltreatment incidences being reported on and off the ice.”

Hockey Canada will continue to make national reports on maltreatment publicly available and accessible on an annual basis as part of its overall sport safety framework.

Hockey Canada Foundation grants more than 3,300 financial assists

Record number of Assist Fund applicants to receive registration subsidies

NR.085.23

November 27, 2023

CALGARY, Alberta – The Hockey Canada Foundation has announced that 3,322 young players across the country will receive subsidies towards hockey registration fees for the 2023-24 season through its Assist Fund, which is the most in the program’s four-year history.

More than $1.5 million will be distributed to approved participants this season, with assists going to kids in each of Hockey Canada’s 13 Members.

This year’s record number of assists represents a 30% increase compared to last season, and 38% of assists are to participants who identify with the Black, Indigenous and racialized community.

“The Assist Fund is such an important program that helps more children and families register for hockey and create lifelong memories through the sport we all love,” said Donna Iampieri, executive director of the Hockey Canada Foundation. “This initiative would not be possible without the generosity of Canadians and our partners, and with their support, we look forward to providing more assists to those facing financial barriers to hockey in the future.”

Since 2020, the Assist Fund has provided financial support to more than 8,000 kids, including over 3,000 who identify with the Black, Indigenous and racialized community. The Assist Fund was launched ahead of the 2020-21 season in response to the many families experiencing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued to provide subsidies to help more young Canadians enjoy the game they love.

The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund – parent testimonials

“Tucker loves everything hockey, and he is so thankful for organizations like this that let him get on the ice. Thank you for helping my child be active and healthy!” – Jesse in Ontario

“Our community has a growing number of Indigenous players and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of the Assist Fund.” – Averil in British Columbia

“Jaxon eats, sleeps and plays hockey and his love for it is something I could never take away from him. We are honoured to be part of the Hockey Canada Foundation and look forward to keeping him doing what he loves.” – Charlene in Alberta

Canadians can give an assist of their own this holiday season, with 100% of donations going towards subsidized registration fees for additional Canadian kids. More information can be found at AssistFund.HockeyCanadaFoundation.ca.

To learn more about the Hockey Canada Foundation, please visit HockeyCanadaFoundation.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

Independent adjudicative panel issues adjudicative report

Findings in report are under appeal

NR.081.23

November 14, 2023

CALGARY, Alberta – In November 2022, an independent adjudicative panel was provided with Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP’s final investigative report regarding allegations against the 2018 National Junior Team in June 2018. The panel was tasked with holding a hearing with a view to determining whether certain members of the 2018 National Junior Team breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct, and if so, what sanctions should be imposed against those players.

That hearing is complete and the panel has provided its final adjudicative report to all involved parties.

Shortly thereafter, a notice of appeal was filed, as is permitted under Hockey Canada’s Investigation and Adjudication Procedures. As the appeal process, which we anticipate will begin in the near future, will be conducted in-camera, we are not able to share details of the report, including its findings at this time to ensure that we do not interfere with the integrity of the appeal process.

We thank the members of the independent adjudicative panel for their efforts in this proceeding.

Hockey Canada has cooperated fully with the London Police Service throughout its investigation and we are committed to continuing to support the legal process. We confirmed with the London Police Service in advance that an announcement concerning the independent adjudicative panel will not affect its investigation.

Pending the completion of the appeal process, all players from the 2018 National Junior Team remain suspended by Hockey Canada and are currently ineligible to play, coach, officiate or volunteer with Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Hockey Canada welcomes William Huff Advertising as National Marketing Partner

Partnership expands William Huff's affiliation with prominent Canadian sports brands

NR.073.23

October 26, 2023

CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada has announced that William Huff Advertising Ltd. has become its newest National Marketing Partner through an agreement that is effective immediately. One of Canada’s leading producers in signage, William Huff’s portfolio of clients includes the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, among other notable sports and events properties.

“William Huff has been producing top quality signage for local and national sports organizations throughout our 75 years in business,” said Bruce Simpson, owner of William Huff Advertising Ltd. “It was a natural fit for us to partner with Hockey Canada and we are very proud to support the organization’s grassroots, men’s, women’s and para hockey programs. Hockey is such an important part of Canada’s identity and we hope our partnership will help athletes become the best they can be.

“Our commitment to professional and amateur sports is something we are very proud of, and as a partner with several sports and community organizations, we are pleased to add Hockey Canada to that list. Go Canada Go."

As part of the partnership, William Huff will produce signage for national and international events hosted by Hockey Canada. William Huff will also be recognized in-venue, including throughout the upcoming fall event schedule.

“Hockey Canada is thrilled to welcome William Huff as a National Marketing Partner,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of strategic partnerships and community impact for Hockey Canada. “Throughout our time working together, which includes the 2022 and 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships, we have continued to expand our partnership, and formalizing it today to officially welcome William Huff as an official partner of Hockey Canada is an exciting step for both organizations.”

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Katherine Henderson hired as president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada

Prominent and accomplished executive joins Hockey Canada after leading Curling Canada to success

NR.045.23

July 04, 2023

CALGARY, AB – Following an extensive recruitment process led by a search committee comprised of key stakeholders and supported by an external executive search firm, Hockey Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Henderson as its next president and chief executive officer.

The Hockey Canada Board of Directors, under the leadership of the Hon. Hugh L. Fraser, was tasked with creating a vision for the next phase of transformation and growth of Canada’s official winter sport. One of its key mandates was to identify and recruit a president and chief executive officer who aligns with the vision of the board.

Henderson has spent the past seven years as the chief executive officer of Curling Canada, where she successfully led initiatives to introduce new Canadians to the sport, spearheaded pay equity for Canada’s men’s and women’s curling teams, and drove a financial turnaround of the organization’s business model. She is also currently the elected co-chair of the Winter Caucus of Sport (Canadian Winter Olympic and Paralympic Sports).

“Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada,” said the Hon. Hugh L. Fraser, chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “With her at the helm we are confident that we will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure hockey is a safe and inclusive sport and that Hockey Canada benefits from best-in-class governance.”

“The future of hockey is limitless,” said Henderson. “As a winter sport nation, with a long tradition in our ice and snow sports, playing and watching hockey is undeniably a part of who we are as Canadians. I am looking forward to working with our board and staff, our athletes, our Members and local associations, our corporate and hockey partners, and our fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them.”

Before joining Curling Canada, Henderson was the senior vice-president of marketing and revenue for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games organizing committee where she helped the Games set attendance, ticket sales and television ratings records. Earlier in her career, Henderson held progressive roles in marketing and branding with Whirlpool Corporation, Colgate Palmolive Canada, Campbell Soup Canada and General Mills Canada.

A leader in the greater sport community, holding a number of positions that advance sport in general, Henderson attained a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from Western University, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a master’s degree in theological studies from the University of Toronto.

In 2022, she received an International Olympic Committee Diploma for her achievements to attain gender equity in sport. She also delivered to the curling community, Changing the Face of Curling, an International Symposium in partnership with two universities and Curling Canada’s leadership to advance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“Our search committee was comprised of stakeholder representatives including athletes, Members, partners and the Hockey Canada Foundation, and we are appreciative of the time that everyone devoted to the recruitment process,” said Jonathan Goldbloom, who chaired the search committee. “We thank them for undertaking such an important task that will shape the future of Hockey Canada and hockey in Canada.”

Henderson will begin her role with Hockey Canada on Sept. 4 and will be participating at the Beyond the Boards Summit later that week. She will be based in Toronto, Ont.

Information about media availability will be shared at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Building a community around hockey

BFL Female Coach of the Year Julie Venselaar is growing hockey in Powell River, B.C., by creating opportunity for girls and women to share the ice together

Jonathan Yue

June 08, 2023

Hockey has always been a source of community for Julie Venselaar.

Playing in women’s drop-in sessions in the coastal city of Powell River, B.C., the women in the session felt there needed to be more options for girls and women to play hockey together. With no organized leagues, it was a gap that needed to be filled.

When they approached Venselaar asking if she wanted to be involved, it was a no-brainer.

“I truly believe that it is so important for girls to have an activity or sport as they head into their adolescence years,” Venselaar says. “The group created a time for these girls to come out and to be coached by women, have fun and have some girl time, and when my daughter was old enough, they asked if I wanted to join and help out, [and] I said yes.”

With girls playing integrated hockey in boys’ leagues, the sessions evolved from being just additional skates to becoming a full girls’ team, and it strengthened the game in Powell River. After eight years of coaching, Venselaar has continued to be involved in organizing and volunteering her time in on-ice activities, fostering a space for girls to play hockey together. Almost a decade later, she still feels fortunate to be able to be a part of the growth of hockey.

A full-time teacher, Venselaar is passionate about children growing up in a positive environment. That commitment to creating a community through hockey has earned Venselaar the BFL Female Coach of the Year award in the Community category.

“There’s nothing better we can give our girls and our daughters than that sense of having something to anchor them through those tricky times in life,” she says. “Part of why I do what I do is to build that community, to build that safe space around them and to surround them with good role models who are there to love and support them. Hockey is something that I know is a medium for me to do that and it’s great because it allows these amazing girls to learn skills from being a part of a team.”

But the most special part for Venselaar has been sharing her coaching journey with her daughter. As part of her prize for earning the BFL honour, Venselaar attended the gold medal game at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Brampton, Ont., with her daughter by her side

“It was so awesome to be able to share that with my daughter,” Venselaar says. “It was so inspiring to be there, and to see it live, with the extremely talented athletes, it was amazing. The best part is that they’re amazing people, too. The players were waving to the crowd and my daughter loved it.

“We made a sign for Micah Zandee-Hart because she was the only player from B.C., and Micah came over, smiled at us before tossing my daughter a puck and it really made her day.”

At the end of the day, Venselaar wants to make sure that it isn’t just her efforts growing the game. She’s very proud of what her community has been able to do together and hopes it continues to expand.

“Our hockey community of parents, coaches, players, and more, they’re bringing it all together and supporting our girls and creating something that’s for them,” Venselaar concludes. “I am here to guide things along, but I’m just part of an amazing team that brings the community together.”