Breaking: Former NHLer goes public on why he kept sexual abuse secret for so long.

He's making the announcement today in Vancouver.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Breaking: Former NHLer goes public on why he kept sexual abuse secret for so long.
Keystone Press

He’s Making the Announcement Today in Vancouver

Sheldon Kennedy, former NHLer, was sexually abused by his junior hockey coach, Graham James, when he played for the Swift Current Broncos in the 1980s. He didn’t disclose the abuse until 20 years ago as reported by The Province.

Kennedy played for the Detroit Red WingsBoston Bruins and Calgary Flames. Drafted by the Red Wings in the fourth round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft he managed to play 310 games in the NHL. Throughout his career, he scored 49 goals and registered 58 assists for a total of 107 points. 

He is now known for going public as a victim of sexual abuse by his coach, Graham James. Kennedy will be making a public announcement today in Vancouver on why he kept sexual abuse secret for so long.

I’m excited to have this opportunity to talk to doctors about this. Historically, they’ve received little training in this area and often aren’t equipped on what to do with such patients because suddenly they’re dealing with some scary issues like social welfare agencies and the criminal justice system,” Kennedy said in an interview Tuesday with The Province.

Most kids are hurt by people they know and trust. They fear disclosing the information because they’re so confused. They think it must have been their fault somehow. They end up going through life thinking they can never trust again, being very lonely, depressed, suicidal, anxious, living with shame and guilt,” said Kennedy.

Source: The Province