Crisis on ice: What you need to know about the Hockey Canada scandal

Warning: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers

MPs called Hockey Canada executives before a parliamentary committee this week and made them swear under oath to tell the truth about an explosive scandal that is shaking the sports world.

The controversy started in May when Hockey Canada reached a settlement with a young woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted in London, Ont. in 2018 by eight Canadian Hockey League (CHL) hockey players, including members of the World Junior team.

Hockey Canada’s CFO Brian Cairo told MPs the organization settled the lawsuit because it was “the right thing to do” for the complainant and his organization.

“We didn’t know all the details of the night, but we did believe harm was caused,” said Cairo Wednesday. 

The CHL said that if players are found to have broken the law, they will face criminal penalties and severe sanctions from the league.

As more and more critics call on Hockey Canada’s leaders to resign, the organization’s president and CEO Scott Smith has said he won’t step down unless he’s told to by the board of directors. Addressing the committee on Wednesday, he admitted that “many of the actions we are taking now should have been taken sooner, and faster.”

Over the past two months, Sport Canada — a branch of the federal Department of Heritage — has frozen its funding to Hockey Canada. Sponsors have dropped out and another, earlier allegation of sexual assault has surfaced.

Police in Halifax have opened an investigation into an allegation of a separate group sexual assault involving hockey players in 2003.

TSN reports that a source contacted Conservative MP John Nater and described a video showing about six players who were with Canada’s world junior team at the time having sex with a woman who was non-responsive and lying face up on a pool table.

WATCH: Hockey Canada has paid 21 sexual misconduct settlements since 1989

Hockey Canada has paid 21 settlements for sexual misconduct since 1989

Hockey Canada officials revealed the organization has paid out nearly $9 million in settlements since 1989 to 21 people alleging sexual misconduct.

During seven hours of testimony on Hockey Canada’s handling of the alleged 2018 case this week, the minister in charge of Sports Canada and Hockey Canada’s…