The Northern Bears and Battlefords Sharks in a game from 2021. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

SUPPORTING WOMEN'S HOCKEY

What impact will the Hockey Canada controversy have on Women’s Hockey?

Oct 12, 2022 | 11:43 AM

Hockey Canada has cleaned house after weeks of pressure, but could this major shakeup have a positive or negative impact on the game of women’s hockey?

On Tuesday, news broke that the CEO and Board of Directors at Hockey Canada were stepping down, following scrutiny over the organization’s handling of sexual assault allegations.

Two major accusations came against members of Canada’s Men’s World Junior Hockey teams, from 2003 and 2018. Those allegations have not been tested in court.

Hockey Canada’s handling of those allegations and the use of membership fees to settle lawsuits prompted corporate sponsors to pull support. Some sponsors like Scotiabank and Telus said they would no longer support the men’s programs but continue to support the women’s side.

At the beginning of the controversy, Dr. Ann Pegoraro with the University of Guelph was concerned the situation could have a negative impact on the sport of women’s hockey.

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“I was worried about the women’s team and the para team becoming collateral damage in what was happening,” she said. “I’m a little more positive about it that we’ve had sponsors that have said they’re pausing support for the men’s but continuing to support the women and para teams.”

Pegoraro is a professor at the Department of Management for the University, and co-director of E-Alliance, the National Research Network for Gender Equity in Sport. Her work includes an article posted this February arguing for why women’s hockey should stay in the Olympics.

When it comes to sponsorship, Pegoraro argues there’s no better place to spend money that in women’s hockey.

“If you’re a sponsor right now and you’re looking to still be attached to hockey, you couldn’t get any better than to attach yourself to our world championship women’s team,” she said.

Right now, Pegoraro said she is optimistic for the future of Hockey Canada as some names rumoured to be in line for the CEO position are women with a hockey background.

“I do see this as an opportunity for a deep transformation for Hockey Canada and part of that I would hope would be a focus on gender equity going forward,” she said.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert, Sask. is once again preparing to host the Esso Cup, Canada’s National Women’s Club Hockey Championship for U18 players. The city was set to host the event in 2020 and 2021 but was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Despite being the host team this year, the tournament was moved to Okotoks, Alta.

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So far, the shakeup at Hockey Canada will not influence the 2023 championships.

“We’re still in full go mode, we’re still developing, we’re still working at this event,” said chairman of the host organizing committee, Robin Wildey. “We got all assurances that this event is going to happen.”

For Wildey and the host committee, their number one focus is to make sure the event is safe for everyone involved.

“Our focus for our group is just making sure our event is a safe, supportive, and friendly environment for everyone involved. That’s players, coaches, fans, volunteers,” Wildey said.

Following the resignations, Hockey Canada has appointed an interim management committee to guide the organization until a new board and CEO will be elected. That is expected to happen in mid-December.

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock