Hockey Canada appoints first woman president

Canada's ice hockey federation on Tuesday announced the appointment of sports executive Katherine Henderson as its first woman president, tapped to lead the organisation after a sex scandal rocked the national sport last year.

After seven years at the head of the national curling federation, where Henderson brought about important social reforms, she will take up her post at Hockey Canada on 4 September.

"The future of hockey is limitless," Henderson said in a statement, adding that she would work "to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them."

Hailed internationally for her commitment to equity and inclusion in sport, Henderson successfully reformed Curling Canada by bringing pay equity between women's and men's teams, welcoming more Canadians into the sport and boosting the organisation's finances.

"Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada," Hugh Fraser, Hockey Canada's board chairman.

"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."

Troubles for Hockey Canada started in May 2022, when shocking accusations came to light that eight players from the 2018 junior national team had sexually assaulted a young woman as a group.

The federation allegedly sought to keep the incident quiet, reaching a confidential multi-million dollar agreement with the victim.

The settlement was paid via a secret fund – one that was supported in part by fees paid by young Canadian hockey players.

The backlash was swift, fueled further by weeks of denial and obfuscation by federation officials, and triggered sponsors and the government to take action.

In October, the federation announced the resignation of its president, Scott Smith, and its entire board of directors.

Sporting equipment brands Nike and Bauer and restaurant chain Tim Hortons also pulled their support from Hockey Canada's men's program.

The federation has since embarked on reforms, committing to stamp out abuse and implementing the recommendations of an independent review body.

The federal government restored its funding in April and equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey, a major sponsor of the federation, announced that it would resume its partnership with Hockey Canada following Henderson's appointment.