Growing the Game is Ian Kennedy’s weekly feature examining the global game, how social issues impact the sport, and how hockey’s important cultural shift continues to evolve.
Carcillo’s Fight Continues
Former NHL player Daniel Carcillo is in court this week as part of a proposed class action lawsuit against the Canadian Hockey League. The case has moved to a certification hearing, running from Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, which will decide if the court sees the lawsuit suitable for being deemed a class action.
I spoke to Carcillo this week, who said he’s continuing to pursue the case, which alleges “widespread and ritualized hazing, racism, homophobia, sexual and physical abuse in the Canadian major junior hockey leagues” to make hockey a safer sport for all, and to ensure the voices of victims are heard.
“I think it’s important to ensure that there’s an avenue for victims to be able to come forward and share their stories, and to create a safer environment moving forward for minors to come up in a positive culture,” Carcillo said.
While a class action lawsuit is the route, Carcillo’s desired destination and wish for the sport is simple: “Hopefully, it gets better.”
‘Let’s Up Our Game’ to Feature Diverse Hockey Stars
It’s long been a tradition in Canada to grab a Tim Hortons coffee and head to the arena. Now the restaurant chain is hoping to highlight diverse faces in the sport through its “Let’s Up Our Game” campaign.
“Given the conversations that Canadians have been having in recent months about the future of hockey and how to improve the game’s culture, we believe there’s no time like the present to help promote a positive change in the game across Canada that is reflective of the diversity that belongs in hockey,” Hope Bagozzi, Tim Hortons’ CMO said in a press release.
Among the names participating in the campaign are women’s hockey stars Marie-Philip Poulin, Sarah Nurse, and Bridgette Lacquette, Blind Hockey player Mark DeMontis, Para hockey players Tyler McGregor and James Dunn, and former NHLer Georges Laraque.
“Hockey has always been a passion of mine and it is the same for so many Canadians as well,” Sarah Nurse said of the program. “I believe that anyone with the same passion that I have for the game, should have access to equal opportunities in the sport.”
The campaign will feature web, television, and social media spots featuring the seven hockey players telling of their diverse…
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