A newly released report claims that bullying, harassment and discrimination exist in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and that off-ice misconduct is a “cultural norm”.
The organization, which brings together the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Junior League and the Western Junior League, gave the mandate, in July 2020, to an independent working group to revise the policies. and practices of the CHL with respect to initiations, abuse, harassment and intimidation.
In its report, the committee says an “unspoken code of silence” ensures misconduct can continue and prevents athletes from disclosing their experiences. The report adds that abuse can have long-term psychological effects on players.
The report also includes 13 recommendations and indicates that the league needs to make behavioral, structural and policy changes to promote player safety.
In a statement released Friday, the CHL said the majority of the report’s recommendations have been implemented or are about to be implemented.
The task force was chaired by Camille Thériault, a former Premier of New Brunswick. It also brought together Danièle Sauvageau, former head coach of Canada’s women’s hockey team, and Sheldon Kennedy, a former National Hockey League player.
The task force delivered its report to the CHL in December 2020, but the league didn’t release it until Friday.
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