Hockey Alberta to create a board that will oversee abuse, mistreatment cases

Hockey Alberta is creating a board of volunteers to oversee maltreatment allegations involving discrimination.

The provincial organization posted online saying it is looking to appoint one maltreatment officer and four maltreatment investigators for the 2022-23 hockey season.

Job postings online show the officer, who will work with Hockey Alberta staff to set out regulations and procedures for investigations and adjudications, has already been hired. Meanwhile, the group is searching for others who will conduct investigations and hearings related to infractions and allegations of misconduct around discrimination.

“The appointment of a maltreatment officer and four maltreatment investigators is part of the ongoing work to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all hockey participants by establishing a consistent process for investigation and decision-making pertaining to allegations of maltreatment and discrimination,” reads a posting online from Hockey Alberta.

Ryan Clutterbuck, an assistant professor with Brock University's sports management program, said Hockey Alberta's decision to have an increased focus on maltreatment is positive, calling it a step in the right direction.

“I would say that it's a timely and important initiative,” said Clutterbuck.

“Any attempts to bring some structure and accountability to the decision-making process, I would say is a positive.”

He said the board could be successful at addressing abuse within the hockey community if the eventual board is filled with people willing to dedicate their time to the position and are provided the right resources.

“Hopefully, the situation is that there's transparency, there's a formalized process, and then ultimately that can lead to better, more ethical decisions,” said Clutterbuck.

“That's the aspiration, that's the dream and, of course, any parent or hockey fan would hope they do really well.”

Hockey Alberta did not respond to requests for comment.