The dark side of hockey

THE STAR’S VIEW

In Canada, hockey and almost everything to do with it has been burnished to an image of gleaming perfection — celebrating commitment, teamwork, growing skills, rising confidence, achievement and tools to last a lifetime.

High- profile broadcasters like Ron MacLean, and corporate promotions such as Kraft Hockeyville, have turned the game into the Canadian version of a Norman Rockwell painting.

As recent years have shown, however, there is a dark side. Too many stories of parents gone wild. Too many stories of referees, often teenagers, harassed.

Too many incidents of sexual abuse and hazing. Too many reports of appalling racism.

It seems that, as in any forum where pressure is great, emotions high, dreams of fame and wealth at stake, the worst of human conduct will arise along with best.

Awareness has increased in recent years as complaints and scandals became public.

Former NHL player Akim Aliu spoke about the mistreatment he endured. Former Chicago Blackhawks prospect Kyle Beach told of being sexually assaulted by a coach.

It’s become clear that the inherent dynamic of team sports, and the power imbalance between coaches and players, have long encouraged a culture of silence.

To its credit, the Greater Toronto Hockey League, the largest youth hockey organization in the world with more than 40,000 registered participants, is seeking in a report made public this week to address the issue.

If good starting points for journeys of improvement involve acknowledging a problem, the GTHL report does so.

“It is clear that racism, sex and gender- based discrimination and inequality exist significantly within the GTHL at all levels,” it says.

The league’s president, Scott Oakman, said he wasn’t surprised by the findings but “certainly disappointed by the extent that came to light.”

The investigating committee was blue- chip, including co- chairs Michael Smith, a Carleton University law professor, and Olympic speedskater and mental- health advocate Anastasia Bucsis; Justice Harry LaForme, a judge and member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation; and Karl Subban, an educator and father of professional players P. K., Malcolm and Jordan Subban.

Earlier this year, P. K. Subban spoke out after Jordan was the target of racist gestures from an opponent in an ECHL game.

“Sheer disappointment,” he said. “There’s no room for it in our game.”

Sadly though, the truth is that there has been room for too long. More than half of those from an under- represented group surveyed by the GTHL said prejudice exists in the league, and a significant portion did not think the league takes such issues seriously.

The GTHL has already created a formal investigative process to probe all allegations of racism and has banned the use of Indigenous names and logos. It is also developing programs to increase the representation of women and those from Black, Indigenous and other communities of colour as coaches.

For its part, the committee made 44 recommendations. They include: Hiring staff experienced in equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and mandating boards of directors to be at least 40 per cent women and 30 per cent people from BIPOC communities.

The league plans to have the committee return in two years to assess whether improvement has been made.

To be sure, achieving equality and respect will be the work of years, if not generations.

But owning the problem, setting out a process of improvement and promising accountability is a praiseworthy step toward making the game live up to the image that Canadians cherish.

It’s become clear that the inherent dynamic of team sports, and the power imbalance between coaches and players, have encouraged a culture of silence