Bauer suspends support as equipment supplier to Hockey Canada

Bauer Hockey has become the latest company to suspend support for scandal-ridden Hockey Canada, which continues to draw widespread criticism for its handling of an alleged sexual assault involving members of the 2018 Junior Men’s National Team. .

On Tuesday, Bauer Hockey announced it was suspending a multi-million dollar commitment as the official equipment supplier to Hockey Canada’s men’s teams.

In a statement, Bauer said Hockey Canada can still purchase merchandise for men’s programs and will redistribute proceeds to « increase accessibility and equity in women’s, women’s, para-hockey and other hockey. » underrepresented communities”.

The manufacturer said it would continue to supply equipment to women’s programs.

“Our goal is to cause meaningful change, not impact athletes,” said general manager Ed Kinnaly and vice president Mary-Kay Messier.

“Crisis can create an opportunity for meaningful change. Our hope is that collectively we will soon begin on the path to the future and that we can use it to bring renewed focus to what is most important to the game of hockey – creating opportunities for children and families. through the game of hockey. »

Bauer’s decision is just the latest domino to fall in response to news that the hockey organization has paid nearly $9 million in settlements since 1989 to 21 people alleging sexual abuse. Most of the money went to compensation plaintiffs in the case of Graham James, a former junior ice hockey coach who was accused of sexually abusing players on his teams.

It later emerged that a fund made up in part of player registration fees had been used to pay for this settlement.

Interim chairman of the board resigns

Over the weekend, Andrea Skinner resigned as director and interim chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors, days after a controversial parliamentary committee meeting where she defended the organization.

In front of MPs, she described Hockey Canada as the victim and said her board did not believe senior management « should be replaced on the basis of what we consider to be substantial misinformation and unduly cynical attacks. » .

Major sponsors including Nike, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Esso and Telus have responded by permanently cutting ties with Hockey Canada or withdrawing funding for men’s hockey this season.