(Calgary) Sheldon Kennedy is well aware of the issues that will be discussed at the Hockey Canada summit to be held in Calgary.
The two-day “Beyond the Tapes” summit on Friday and Saturday is intended to directly address the heart of the problem that drives racism, sexism, homophobia, discrimination and exclusion in the world of hockey.
Masculinity is clearly defined in this universe—toughness, violence, “brotherhood culture,” “locker room code” is glorified—and as a result, this summit will discuss how elite men’s hockey dominates sports culture. Canadian.
Kennedy, a former NHL player who was sexually assaulted by Graham James during his internship in the junior ranks, will give a speech during the summit.
This member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, honored for his fight to prevent and protect child abuse, indicated that this summit will be decisive in inducing an electroshock that will permanently transform the culture of hockey.
“I really feel like it’s important,” Kennedy told The Canadian Press. Getting it right is essential. The most important thing is to recognize that we have a problem, and that we have to fix it as soon as possible.
“It might be disturbing for some, maybe challenging for others, or even uncomfortable, but I think change often brings that kind of reaction. We need to make changes. This sport needs to change,” he continued.
“I understand how ostracized people feel. I was taunted for years on the rink because of the stories circulating with Graham James. People were walking on eggshells around Sheldon, wanting to shut him out,” he added.
Provinces and territories that are members of Hockey Canada, as well as the Canadian Junior Hockey League, American Hockey League, NHL, International Ice Hockey Federation and the new Professional Women’s Hockey League will have representatives attend the summit,” said Hockey Canada Chief Operating Officer Pat McLaughlin.
