TORONTO (AP) — Hockey Canada has named former Curling Canada head Katherine Henderson its new president and chief executive officer.
The Tuesday announcement comes as Hockey Canada tries to rebuild after a series of scandals last year rocked the national sport organization.
“Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada,” federation board chair Hugh L. Fraser said in a statement.
The stage is set for a new women’s hockey league to begin in January. The Professional Hockey Federation was bought out and members of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement and constitution.
It’s game on for a new, yet-to-be named women’s pro hockey league to launch in January after union members cleared the final major hurdle by unanimously ratifying a collective bargaining agreement and a constitution, a person with direct knowledge of the vote told The Associated Press.
A new women’s pro hockey league will begin competing in North America as early as January. A co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers has purchased the seven-team Premier Hockey Federation.
The NHL and NHLPA are launching a new Player Inclusion Coalition aimed at diversifying hockey and making it more welcoming.
“With her at the helm we are confident that we will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure hockey is a safe and inclusive sport and that Hockey Canada benefits from best-in-class governance.”
Hockey Canada was heavily criticized last year for its handling of sexual assault allegations and settlement payouts. Several revelations about the organization emerged, renewing conversation about toxic culture within the sport.
Hockey Canada’s board of directors resigned in October, along with interim chair Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith also left the organization.
A new board of directors was named and Fraser, a retired judge, came on board as chair. The federation has implemented many of the governance changes outlined in a damning independent report.
“The future of hockey is limitless,” Henderson said in a release. “As a winter sport nation, with a long tradition in our ice and snow sports, playing and watching hockey is undeniably a part of who we are as Canadians.
“I am looking forward to working with our board and staff, our athletes, our members and local associations, our corporate and hockey partners, and our fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them.”
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