Hockey Canada, the national governing body for ice hockey, has appointed Katherine Henderson president and chief executive as it looks to end a tumultuous period during which the organization has been criticized over its handling of sexual assault allegations.
Henderson will begin her role on September 4 after spending the last seven years as the chief executive of the Curling Canada governing body.
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During her time there, she led a campaign for pay equity across men’s and women’s curling teams and a financial overhaul of the organization’s business model.
Henderson said: “The future of hockey is limitless. 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 partner, and our fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them.”
Hugh L Fraser, chair of the Hockey Canada board of directors, added: “Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada.
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By GlobalData“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.”
Henderson replaces Scott Smith, who resigned last October after all the governing body’s board members agreed to step down amid the controversy.
After the appointment of Henderson, hockey equipment maker Bauer announced it would reinstate its partnership after pausing its deal with the organization.
The company said: “Together with Katherine and Hockey Canada, we want to help build a strategic plan that grows the game, prioritizes inclusion, and restores the trust of the Canadian people.
“As a leader in the game, our priority has always been ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as driving positive change within Hockey Canada. It’s critical that we ensure hockey is safe, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all children and families.”
Henderson’s appointment comes as Hockey Canada looks to move on from revelations made last May that the organization had quietly settled a lawsuit with a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight members of Canada’s then-junior men's national team at the Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, in 2018.
Investigations over the handling of the 2018 case then uncovered the governing body had paid almost CAD9 million (now $6.7 million) in 21 settlements for sexual assault complaints against its players since 1989.
It was also found the organization had maintained two separate funds to pay off sexual assault settlements, with the amounts originating from player registration fees collected from parents and children across the country.
Amid the initial backlash, then-board chair Michael Brind’Amour stepped down, while sponsors paused or ended their relationship with Hockey Canada – including sportswear giant NIKE, Imperial Oil, Telus, Tim Horton, and the Canadian Tire Corporation, as well as Bauer.
The Canadian government also froze Hockey Canada’s funding last June but restored it after reform requirements were met in April.
The governing body then appointed Andrea Skinner as interim board chair but she also resigned in October following a contentious appearance in front of a parliamentary committee where she insisted the federation’s leadership would remain in place and the sport shouldn’t be made a “scapegoat” for a toxic culture that exists elsewhere in society.
In December, a new nine-member board of directors was named – five women and four men – with retired judge Fraser stepping in as board chair. The board will only serve a one-year term to focus on improving the organization’s governance and safety across the sport.
