Hockey Canada reports over 900 cases of discrimination last season

Hockey Canada introduced a new section to its rule book in August 2021 to address maltreatment in a federation that had close to 520,000 registered players last season

Hockey Canada says there were more than 900 documented or alleged incidents of on-ice discrimination — verbal taunts, insults and intimidation — across all levels and age groups during the 2021-22 season.

The data contained in the national sport organization’s first-ever report tracking the issue shows 512 penalties for discrimination were called by officials, while 415 allegations were investigated after the fact.

Hockey Canada introduced a new section to its rule book in August 2021 to address maltreatment in a federation that had close to 520,000 registered players last season. The 14-page document released Friday details the application of Rule 11.4, which deals specifically with discrimination, including race, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic characteristics and disability.

The report’s release comes on the heels of the “action plan” unveiled by Hockey Canada in July to address “toxic behaviour in the sport” as it dealt with the dramatic fallout of alleged sexual assaults involving members of both the 2018 and 2003 world junior teams. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

The organization said information released Friday doesn’t reflect off-ice incidents of maltreatment, sexual violence or abuse, which starting this season will be handled by the federal government’s Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner or a new independent third-party complaint process.

“As this is the first year of reporting, (the data) does not present a comprehensive representation of discrimination in hockey,” the document read.

“With that in mind, the data contained in this report is a critically important first step in Hockey Canada’s ongoing efforts to better track, identify and respond to maltreatment in hockey.”

The organization added “capacity and readiness” to collect and report information from its 10 provincial and three territorial members varied.

“Education, awareness and discussion on processes were necessary in order to make improvements,” the report stated.

“As a result, there were inconsistencies in the rule application at times.

“Learnings were collected throughout this process and are being built upon for subsequent years.”

Hockey Canada, which has committed to more transparency following a string of scandals that enraged the public and politicians alike, is picking up the pieces following a horrendous spring, summer and fall that saw its federal and corporate funding paused or halted entirely due to the organization’s handling of sexual assault allegations and payments to victims.