As Hockey Canada is thrown into turmoil by allegations of gang rape committed by junior players, its president and CEO, Scott Smith, received a vote of confidence from the board of directors.
In a short statement posted Monday on its website, the national federation said “Scott Smith and his leadership team have the support of the Hockey Canada Board,” as noted by Acting Board Chair Andrea Skinning.
“We are focused on facilitating the implementation of programs for girls and boys, as well as for men and women, across the country. We are committed to improving our sport, which includes reviewing our management and implementing our action plan and our other programs, also affirmed the leader. We intend to inform Canadians regarding our work and the goals of the board, and our ongoing efforts to regain their confidence in hockey and in Hockey Canada.”
However, the Minister of Sport, Pascale St-Onge, had recalled the need in her eyes for many changes in the organization chart of the organization concerned. Already, Skinner’s predecessor, Michael Brind’Amour, tendered his resignation earlier in August.
“There is a need in terms of new voices, new ideas and different leadership,” the minister recently told Sportsnet.
Disputed
Smith replaced Tom Renney, who retired July 1. He has worked for the federation since 1995 and held various positions. Several federal elected officials, all political parties combined, called for his departure during parliamentary sessions in July.
The cover-up of an alleged gang rape that occurred on the sidelines of a banquet in London in June 2018 and allegations of another case that may have occurred in 2003 continue to plague Hockey Canada, the center of much criticism. Renowned sponsors such as Tim Hortons have also chosen to put their association with the federation on hold.
