Pushed out of all directions, the president of Hockey Canada, Scott Smith, as well as all the members of the board of directors tendered their resignation. The organization that oversees the management of national sport in the country has been in turmoil for months due to sex scandals.
“An interim management committee” will take care of the management of Hockey Canada while the list of administrators is renewed. The members of Hockey Canada will choose the next leaders. They must be chosen “at the latest” in the next virtual election scheduled for December 17, 2022.
The resigning board of directors assures that he will not stand for this election.
Serial setbacks
On Tuesday, it was Bauer Hockey’s turn to put its partnership with Hockey Canada on the ice. The equipment manufacturer described the repeated breach of trust by the organization’s management as “extremely disturbing”.
The company also announced that it is suspending its role as official equipment supplier to Hockey Canada’s men’s teams and its sponsorship of men’s tournaments.
She indicated that Hockey Canada will be able to purchase equipment for the men’s programs. Profits generated will be invested in hockey programs for girls, women and other underrepresented communities.
The company says it will continue to provide equipment to women’s programs.
Bauer says his goal is to influence leadership and policy change at Hockey Canada, not to affect athletes.
Bauer’s move follows similar announcements from sponsors including Nike, Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons. It also comes after Andrea Skinner resigned as interim chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors.
With The Canadian Press
Further details will follow.
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