Handling of sexual abuse claims puts Hockey Canada on thin ice with hockey parents

When parents first consider the dangers of their kids playing hockey they may envision flying pucks, elbows and sticks — not a toxic culture.

But recent revelations about how sexual assault allegations were handled by Hockey Canada, the body that governs the sport in this country, have left some hockey families in turmoil over repeated black eyes to their beloved sport.

Hockey Canada is under intense fire for how the organization handled allegations of sexual assault by former players and the funds it used to settle related lawsuits.

"The more that comes out, the more frustrated people are getting," said Theresa Bailey, a hockey mom who has shepherded her own three players in Madoc, Ont., for 17 years.

Now, a poll from Angus Reid suggests most Canadians — 58 per cent — said they think sexual harassment and sexual assault are a "major issue" in youth hockey, and they have weak confidence that Hockey Canada's culture will change. 

The poll of more than 2,000 Canadians taken between Aug. 8 and 10 found those with a connection to youth hockey were just as likely — 56 per cent — to respond that sexual misconduct was a major issue, "something that happens all the time." Only 17 per cent polled called it a "minor" problem. 

Communications staff at Hockey Canada declined CBC's request for an interview with new interim executive director, Andrea Skinner.

The organization posted an open letter on July 18 promising change and outlining new complaint mechanisms and a review plan.

"We know you are angry and disappointed in Hockey Canada – rightfully so. We know we have not done enough ... to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game. For that we unreservedly apologize."

But many aren't convinced.

The summer edition of the World Junior Hockey Championships opened last week with a message to young players from Canada's Minister of Sport, Pascale St-Onge, addressing the sexual assault scandals and calling them "unacceptable."

Fans have not flocked to the tournament.

Some blame summer heat, but others say it's the taint of scandal.

"I wonder if it puts a bad taste in the mouths of parents who haven't yet enrolled their kids or are concerned about the culture. The stands are empty at the World Juniors," said Bailey, who founded an online advice site called Canadian Hockey Moms.