New Hockey Canada CEO Henderson Vows Reform Amid Scandal Fallout

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Following an illustrious career that spanned hosting the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, and a seven-year tenure with Curling Canada, Henderson was appointed president and CEO of Hockey Canada over the past summer. A naturally outgoing and communicative individual, she admitted to recently exercising her listening skills more actively, soaking up information and insights like a sponge.

“People have been extremely generous with their time, providing me with valuable insights on their aspirations and expectations,” she shared during an exclusive interview. This comes after an arduous 18 months for the national sports organization that handed her a litany of challenges needing immediate attention.


Unfazed by the monumental task at hand, Henderson assumed her new role on September 4th with one primary directive: rehabilitating Hockey Canada’s faltering reputation. The organization has been under fire since May 2022, when it emerged they had discreetly resolved a lawsuit brought by a woman alleging sexual assault by eight players, some of whom were part of the nation’s world junior team, post a 2018 gala.

The unsettling news reports continued, spiraling into the discovery of the obscure National Equity Fund, which utilized player fees to cover uninsured liabilities, including sexual abuse claims. These revelations triggered heightened scrutiny that cost both Henderson’s predecessor, Scott Smith, his position and led to the resignation of the board of directors.

The new board, steered by retired Judge Hugh Fraser, has worked tirelessly to realign Hockey Canada’s path by instating new governance standards. Braving the storm barely two months into her tenure, Henderson already has a clear vision for what she wants Hockey Canada to become.

“My aspiration is to ensure that anyone with an interest in the sport of hockey has the opportunity to participate,” she stated.

Despite a number of investigations still ongoing into allegations of sexual misconduct, Henderson believes that the organization must focus on the lessons learned and make certain that history does not repeat itself. She contends that if Hockey Canada gets it right, not just the organization but the entire sports ecosystem in Canada stands to benefit from their improved practices.

Henderson acknowledges that while her son enjoyed a positive experience playing the game, such has not been the case for all participants, particularly amidst perceptions of toxic masculinity within the sport. “Achieving meaningful change requires a deep understanding of the issues at hand. Hockey’s pervasive reach inevitably shines a spotlight on these concerns,” she shared.

Henderson affirmed Hockey Canada’s commitment to releasing a maltreatment report in the coming weeks, to better grasp and consequently address maltreatment incidents. “We must strive to ensure we are offering our participants the very best experience,” she stated.

In regards to funding, government support and corporate sponsorship are beginning to trickle back despite falling short of May 2022 levels. Hockey Canada, according to Henderson, is marching ahead with greater accountability and transparency, while simultaneously making every effort to ensure the financial resilience of the organization.

In a step towards inclusivity and respect for privacy, a new “minimum attire rule” has been established for the 2023-24 minor hockey season. Henderson admitted that the rollout could have been better explained. However, she expressed her belief that the dressing room is a crucial part of the team experience, and should thus provide a comfortable environment for every player.

As Hockey Canada begins to regain the public’s trust, Henderson remains resolute and prepared to work hard, with a notebook full of conversations and learnings from her first seven weeks serving as her guide.