A goddamn good riddance. Hockey Canada had long been a hideout of power and honor suckers. In addition, like too many sports federations or private organizations linked to the government in Canadian sport, it was a breeding ground for discrimination and racism.
How many slimy frogs were there on the Hockey Canada Board of Directors? And how many hopping frogs have worn Canada’s red uniform in major international tournaments?
Zero for the board and as little as possible for the teams.
Unavoidable cleaning
Then there would have been an atrocious crime and an unfortunate victim. Crime that we tried to hide.
A spring clean-up had become inevitable.
But I feel uneasy when I hear Minister Pascale St-Onge constantly refer to toxic masculinity in her speeches.
It’s repeated so often that the two terms seem intrinsically linked. I find it heavy and unfair for the majority of young hockey players who practice their passion sport while respecting their teammates, their opponents and the girls or young women around them. They are not criminals.
They have the right to be guys. They have the right to be fierce, courageous and combative.
Moreover, these are qualities that we find in women’s teams.
better education
What I hope, and I agree with the minister on this, is that new leaders will be able to promote better education. Better training for young hockey players.
Let them remain young men. And that they know how to respect women and others and behave with dignity.
It must be learned if it is well taught.