Hockey Saskatchewan has released a written response to the ongoing controversy at Hockey Canada and its handling of previous sexual assault allegations involving a handful of players.

The statement says Hockey Saskatchewan is working with its Branch Partners to hold Hockey Canada accountable, undertake actions and provide answers by specific deadlines. It says these efforts must result in meaningful changes to the game. This would include educational resources to help prevent sexual misconduct and other forms of maltreatment.

Hockey Saskatchewan has provided input into Justice Thomas Cromwell’s governance review and are waiting the report’s final recommendations, expected by the end of October. A lack of action by Hockey Canada may lead to Hockey Saskatchewan taking additional steps which may include withholding participant fees.

Several big name companies have either withdrawn or suspended support of Hockey Canada until changes to the current executive are made.

The entire Hockey Saskatchewan statement is below:

By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Hockey Saskatchewan is one of the thirteen member Branches of Hockey Canada that collectively remain committed to making our game safer and more inclusive for participants in our province and across the country.

Here in Saskatchewan, we initiated an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) survey during the 2021-22 season that received an incredible level of response. The survey also provided valuable feedback for initiatives that are being developed to assist our Minor Hockey Associations to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

At the national level, we are working with our Branch Partners to hold Hockey Canada accountable, undertake actions and provide answers by specific deadlines. These efforts must result in meaningful changes to our game. Changes include further development of the Action Plan, including educational resources to help prevent sexual misconduct and other forms of maltreatment.

We continue to ask Hockey Canada the questions to which our Members and stakeholders are seeking answers. That is our commitment – to continue working towards an improved and stronger hockey system for our province and all participants across the country. We have provided input for Justice Thomas Cromwell’s governance review and are awaiting the report’s final recommendations, expected October 30th of this year. A lack of action by Hockey Canada may lead to Hockey Saskatchewan taking additional steps which may include withholding participant fees.

As an organization, we acknowledge that there are very serious issues in the game, and much work is needed to improve the culture. Hockey Saskatchewan will continue to combat the unacceptable behaviour and actions that have no place within our game.

Finally, to the entire hockey community in Saskatchewan – rinks are busy, hockey is being played across the province, and for that, we are thankful. That is not going to stop regardless of what is happening at the national level.

Thank you to the countless individuals – Members, volunteers, and parents – who continue to work hard every day to ensure that games and practices occur for our players.

Sincerely,
Hockey Saskatchewan
Board of Directors & Staff