Hockey Canada summit in Calgary to tackle toxic masculinity as root problem in sport’s culture

The "Beyond The Boards Summit'' on Friday and Saturday is designed to tackle a root cause identified at the heart of racism, sexism, homophobia, discrimination and exclusion.

Sheldon Kennedy feels the weight of what will be discussed at Hockey Canada’s summit in Calgary.

The two-day “Beyond The Boards Summit” on Friday and Saturday is designed to tackle one root cause identified at the heart of racism, sexism, homophobia, discrimination and exclusion in hockey.

How masculinity is defined in hockey — glorifying toughness and violence, the “bro culture”, the “code of the locker room” — and how elite men’s hockey dominates the sport’s culture in Canada is on the agenda.

Kennedy, a former NHL player and survivor of sexual abuse in junior hockey by Graham James, will speak at the summit.

The member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame for his work in child abuse education and prevention says the summit is a pivotal chance to start making fundamental and needed changes in hockey’s culture.

“I really feel it’s important,” Kennedy told The Canadian Press. “It’s critical that we get this right. The biggest thing is the acceptance of the fact that we have a problem and we need to deal with it.

“It might be awkward for some, it might be exciting for others, it might be very uncomfortable, but I think change brings all of those feelings when it happens. We’re talking about change. I think the game needs to change.

“I can relate to being an outsider. I was teased on the ice for many years about being shacked up with Graham James. People walked on pine cones around Sheldon or didn’t include him.”