(Montreal) Sports equipment manufacturer Nike has permanently ended its sponsorship partnership with Hockey Canada.
Nike was one of several major partners to suspend its sponsorship deal with Canada’s hockey governing body in 2022, amid heavy criticism over Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations and sponsorship payments. regulation.
Nike’s decision comes nearly two weeks after gear brand Bauer reestablished its partnership with Hockey Canada, following the hiring of former Curling Canada CEO Katherine Henderson as President and CEO of the organization.
“Hockey Canada thanks Nike for its long business relationship that has spanned more than two decades and respects its decision to no longer partner with Hockey Canada,” read the statement from the umbrella organization. hockey in the country.
“We are grateful for the support of Bauer Hockey and their reinvestment in our business relationship, which sends a positive message for the future,” it added.
In addition to Henderson’s appointment, Hockey Canada has made several leadership changes as it attempts to rebuild its image.
Its board of directors resigned last October, as did interim president Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith has also left the organization.
A new board of directors was appointed and Hugh L. Fraser, a retired judge, became president. The federation has also implemented many of the governance changes called for in a damning independent report.