In order to help improve hockey culture in Quebec, the Montreal Canadiens have joined forces with the Sport’Aide organization to launch a training and awareness program.
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In recent weeks, disturbing testimonies from former players of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) have highlighted a culture that was not always healthy, especially in the case of initiations of athletes in the junior ranks.
During a press conference held Saturday at the Bell Center, the CH indicated that it had made a donation of $250,000 over two years to Sport’Aide, and thus, had set up “Moi j’embark” .
This program will offer training activities and educational tools to promote respect and encourage performance to coexist with well-being in sports practice. Former Canadian players, but also current members of the team will participate in the project.
Moreover, on Saturday, the members of the CH arrived at the Bell Center for their duel against the Ottawa Senators wearing all the jerseys of a Quebec minor team.
“We are convinced that the actions proposed as part of this program will bring about positive changes in the hockey community and will facilitate the practice of our sport in healthy and safe environments for all,” said the vice-president in a press release. President, Habs Community Engagement, Geneviève Paquette.
Across Quebec
The Canadian and Sport’Aide also announced a new collaboration with Hockey Quebec to deploy the program “Moi j’embark” “to all hockey stakeholders in Quebec”.
“We all have a role to play in changing the culture of hockey and I would like to salute the initiative of the Canadiens and Sport’Aide which will allow the implementation of a positive approach in the education and awareness of our members” , said Hockey Quebec general manager Jocelyn Thibault.
No date has yet been announced for the launch of this pilot project.