Katherine Henderson has been named president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada, the national hockey organization announced Tuesday.
Having spent the past seven years in the role of president of operations for Curling Canada, Henderson will lead an organization that has been trying to reinvent itself since last year, following the numerous scandals that led to the departure of many leaders.
“The future of hockey is limitless,” she said in a statement. Playing and watching hockey, in a winter sports nation with a rich tradition of ice and snow sports, is undoubtedly part of the Canadian identity.”
“I am excited to work with our Board of Directors, our staff, our athletes, our members, our local associations, our business and hockey partners, our fans and our participants. to ensure that all Canadians have an experience with this sport that suits everyone,” she added.
Hockey Canada has been littered with numerous scandals and its handling of allegations of sexual misconduct — not to mention payments made to some alleged victims to buy their silence.
As a result, the federal government and many corporations stopped funding the organization. And the bond of trust between the population and the organization has been broken.
Hockey Canada’s board of directors, along with its interim president, Andrea Skinner, resigned en masse last October. President and COO Scott Smith also left the ship.
Retired judge Hugh L. Fraser was then named president of Hockey Canada, and the organization’s board of directors was filled.
“Katherine has the track record and the experience to lead the transformation of Hockey Canada that is underway,” said Fraser. With her at the helm of the organization, we are confident that we will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure hockey is a safe and inclusive sport, and that Hockey Canada benefits from exemplary governance.”
Katherine Henderson will officially start her post in Toronto on September 4.