Sheldon Kennedy calls for resignation of Hockey Canada CEO
Former professional hockey player and longtime abuse survivor advocate Sheldon Kennedy called for Hockey Canada's CEO and board to resign in a powerful statement addressing the organization's new action plan on Tuesday
"The same people with a new plan expecting different results is the definition of insanity," Kennedy wrote. "I call for the resignation of Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith, his leadership team, and the board of directors to resign and step down from their positions immediately.
"Enough is enough already."
Kennedy has devoted his post-playing career to child abuse prevention and education. He revealed in 1996 that he had been sexually abused by his coach Graham James while playing in the Western Hockey League in the 1980s.
The 53-year-old operates Respect Group, which is dedicated to ending abuse, harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The NHL and Respect Group partnered up in December 2021 to train players and staff on how to prevent and respond to abuse.
Hockey Canada has been under the microscope since the spring in the wake of two sexual assault scandals.
A woman says she was assaulted by eight unnamed CHL players - including members of the 2018 world junior team - in June of that year following a Hockey Canada gala event in London, Ontario. The lawsuit, which wasn't heard in court, was filed in April 2022 and settled in May.
Last week, Hockey Canada reported an alleged group sexual assault from 2003 involving members of the 2002-03 national junior team. The organization said it first heard of a rumor about "something bad at the 2003 World Juniors" two weeks prior.
Hockey Canada unveiled an action plan to address "systemic issues" and "toxic behavior" within the sport on Monday in light of the serious allegations.
Smith officially took over for Tom Renney as CEO on July 1. Both Renney and Smith testified about the 2018 settled sexual assault lawsuit before the House of Commons in June. The pair will appear before Parliament again on Wednesday.
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