Hockey Canada pulls desperate move amidst gang rape allegations!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Hockey Canada has been rocked by sexual assault allegations this offseason.

TSN’s Rick Westhead has been at the forefront of the reporting on these allegations, first breaking news that members of the 2018 World Juniors Canadian squad have been implicated in sexual allegations and, more recently, breaking news that 8 members of the 2003 World Juniors Canadian roster have been accused of gang raping a “non-responsive” woman.

These allegations have prompted both internal investigations and police investigations by authorities in both Buffalo, NY and Halifax, NS. Last week, Westhead reported that an additional investigation has been opened by Quebec City police after allegations against members of the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques in 2014.

Talk about a systemic problem…

Hockey Canada president and chief executive officer Scott Smith came under blistering criticism after the government hearings last month and many have demanded he get fired, including conservative MP John Nater and former NHL player and abuse survivor Sheldon Kennedy.

Smith said he would not but understood that Canadians’ trust in Hockey Canada has been shaken.

Now on Tuesday, the Globe and Mail reports that “Hockey Canada recently approached major sponsors to gauge whether ousting some top executives and board members would be enough to win back their support – and sponsorship dollars.”
According to the report, sponsors believe more is needed for Hockey Canada... 

“Some [sponsors] said the departures on offer would not be sufficient, and that wholesale change to Hockey Canada’s operations is needed.”

Smith, who was appointed the organization’s CEO on July 1 but joined Hockey Canada’s head office in 1997, was also repeatedly questioned by members of parliament for his role in approving the settlement of $3.55-million lawsuit filed in connection with the alleged assault.

It seems like Hockey Canada is in a state of crisis and more than a change at the head position needs to take place. And sponsors appear to agree.