We have a well-known hockey coach here and a much-loved hockey coach. I'd like to recognize that.
When I met with Hockey Canada, I addressed hard issues with them. I addressed not only abuse, but I also addressed lack of funding for women in hockey. I addressed the lack of funding for persons of all abilities in hockey. I was clear at the time: The culture of entitlement and toxic masculinity is not new in hockey in Canada.
When I was an athlete, in my teenage years and early twenties, we heard about the Junior A hockey players and the drugs and alcohol away from the arena. We heard, and pardon my language, the bragging about how many “puck bunnies” some guy bagged on the weekend. Where were the adults in charge? Where were the leagues, the provincial and national associations, demanding of their members principles of common decency?
I think that Hockey Canada has failed over and over to see the abuse, discrimination and harassment in hockey and to take sufficient action on issues that have played out over decades in the media.