Nike permanently ends Hockey Canada sponsorship amid sex assault scandal – National
Nike has permanently ended its sponsorship of Hockey Canada as the national sports body continues to address issues surrounding its handling of allegations of sexual assault.
A spokesperson for the international sportswear brand issued a statement to Global News on Monday saying it had ended its relationship with the company.
Nike suspended its sponsorship with Hockey Canada in October, joining several companies that have ended sponsorships after reports surfaced about the organization’s handling of past sexual assault allegations.
A scandal broke out last fall after media reports said Hockey Canada had paid a hefty legal settlement after eight members of the 2018 men’s world junior team sexually assaulted a woman. Surrounded Ice Hockey Canada.
The organization’s leadership resisted calls for change and eventually resigned amid mounting pressure from sponsors and the public.
“Nike is no longer a sponsor of Hockey Canada,” a spokesperson told Global News.
“While we will continue to provide ice products to Canadian hockey players as part of our partnership with the International Ice Hockey Federation, our separate partnership with the Federation has ended.”
Hockey Canada previously said Nike was one of its four primary marketing partners, a role it has held since 1999.
The group has been trying to rebuild its image since news of the sexual assault scandal broke last year.
On July 4, Hockey Canada named former Canada curling representative Katherine Henderson as its new president and chief executive officer.
“Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the transformation of Canadian hockey,” federation president Hugh L. Fraser said in a statement at the time.
“I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that hockey is a safe and inclusive sport and that Hockey Canada benefits from best-in-class governance. increase.”
Henderson replaced Scott Smith, who resigned from the position in October, along with the entire board and interim board chairman Andrea Skinner.
“The future of hockey is limitless. As a winter sports nation, we have a long tradition of ice and snow sports, and playing and watching hockey is definitely part of who we are as Canadians.” said Henderson in a news release earlier this month.
“We look forward to working with the board, staff, players, members and local associations, businesses and hockey partners, fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have the hockey experience they deserve. .”
— with files from The Associated Press
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