After a year in leadership at Hockey Canada, Henderson claims hockey is healthier
With over 100,000 women and girls participating in hockey, Henderson believes there’s potential for greater inclusion and aims to raise that number significantly.
Hockey Canada president Katherine Henderson believes the organization is moving toward a healthier future after taking over in the midst of a crisis last year.
She inherited an organization grappling with serious allegations, including a sexual assault case involving the 2018 Canadian junior men’s hockey team, which has led to significant public scrutiny and lost sponsorships.
Henderson, who previously served as CEO of Curling Canada, has prioritized cultural change within Hockey Canada.
Under her leadership, a new board was established, and initiatives like the Beyond The Boards Summit in Calgary addressed issues of toxic masculinity and discrimination in hockey.
A follow-up summit focused on misogyny and transphobia is scheduled for November.
To promote transparency, Henderson has published financial statements and reports on Hockey Canada’s website.
She emphasizes the need for behavior change in the sport and acknowledges that while significant steps have been made, there’s still much work to do.
With over 100,000 women and girls participating in hockey, Henderson believes there’s potential for greater inclusion and aims to raise that number significantly.
As the organization prepares for a high-profile trial related to the 2018 allegations, she insists on balancing this focus with ongoing efforts to improve the sport's culture and accountability.
Overall, Henderson is optimistic about Hockey Canada's future, asserting that accountability and transparency are key to restoring trust among Canadians.