Hockey Canada says it has renewed and expanded a partnership with Respect Group, an advocacy group based by former NHL participant Sheldon Kennedy.
In a press release launched Wednesday, Hockey Canada mentioned it’s going to work with Respect Group to develop new, age-appropriate participant packages whereas persevering with to supply current on-line coaching programs.
Hockey Canada mentioned the partnership will assist drive cultural change across the sport, an space by which the group mentioned there’s “nonetheless work to do.”
The nationwide hockey authorities has been mired in controversy for months after it was revealed in Might that it had settled a lawsuit with a lady who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a number of members of the 2018 world junior workforce. Police in London, Ont., have since reopened their investigation.
In July, Halifax Regional Police started investigating allegations that members of the 2003 workforce sexually assaulted a lady and filmed the assault throughout that match.
The allegations haven’t been examined in court docket.
Hockey Canada executives additionally revealed in July that that they had paid out $8.9 million in sexual abuse settlements since 1989, excluding the 2018 settlement.
READ MORE: Hockey Canada didn’t use public funds for authorized settlements, federal audit finds
The group elected a brand new board of administrators on December 17 and remains to be looking for a brand new chief government officer. The earlier board resigned and president and CEO Scott Smith was ousted because of the controversies.
Kennedy referred to as on Hockey Canada’s management to step down after the controversies emerged. In Thursday’s assertion, he mentioned the 2 organizations are dedicated “to creating change in hockey.”
“Age-appropriate, player-centred schooling is the following logical step in enhancing our Respect in Sport curriculum, and we’re very excited to be partnering with Hockey Canada as a contributor within the improvement of those instruments,” he mentioned.
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