Sports giant Nike has permanently ended its partnership with Hockey Canada.
Nike had been one of several major partners to suspend its sponsorship deal with Canada’s hockey governing body in 2022. Hockey Canada was then the target of heavy criticism for its handling of sexual assault allegations. , as well as because of the existence of settlement funds.
Nike’s decision comes nearly two weeks after gear brand Bauer reinstated its partnership with Hockey Canada, following the hiring of former Curling Canada CEO Katherine Henderson as President and CEO of the organization.
“Hockey Canada thanks Nike for its long business relationship that spanned more than two decades and respects its decision to no longer be a partner of Hockey Canada,” read the organization’s statement.
“We are grateful for the support of Bauer Hockey and their reinvestment in our business relationship, which sends a positive message for the future”, is it also written.
In addition to Henderson’s appointment, Hockey Canada has made several leadership changes in an attempt to restore its image.
Its entire board of directors resigned last October, as did interim president Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith had also left the organization.
A new board of directors was subsequently appointed and Hugh L. Fraser, a retired judge, became president. The federation has also implemented many of the governance changes called for in a damning independent report.
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