Changing the game: Systemic changes affecting grassroots hockey
Hockey is a huge part of life for many Canadians, but recent off-ice stories in the NHL have taken some of the shine off the country’s winter sport.
The actions of Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray are now under the microscope, in the wake of sexual assault allegations in both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks organizations.
As these revelations lead to a re-evaluating of culture in the major leagues, those lessons are trickling down to the minor levels of the sport.
According to the Executive Director of Hockey Nova Scotia, a systemic change in direction for the sport in this region began two years ago with the introduction of the Hockey Nova Scotia Diversity Inclusion Task Force.
"And it was through that process, through our public engagement with community about how we could make the game we're safe and welcoming," said Amy Walsh.
Walsh said the task force report featured a series of recommendations including the Future of Hockey Lab, a program focused on the creating, experimenting and testing game-changing ideas and innovations to make the sport more accessible for all who wish to participate
"It's a safe space to try," said Walsh. 'It's a safe space to have game changing ideas."
Former NHL player Mark Fraser said the Future of Hockey Lab would give the sport an opportunity to pivot to a more positive direction.
"One thing that we are aware of, whether it is at the grassroots level or professional level, the sport encourages silence," said Fraser.
Fraser added the sport should closely examine the kind of leaders who can contribute to the game.
"We are not necessarily calling on people with a long extensive background in hockey," said Fraser. "Whether it is hockey parents or people who are new to volunteering on the grassroots side of hockey. It should be people who care."
Fraser also says the angry hockey coach who kicks cans and throws water bottles is becoming an outdated concept, and while those types of coaches still exist, there have been steps made to remove those people from the sport.
He believes a positive step going forward is recruiting more leaders who care about the human element of hockey and inclusion.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.