Chief executive officer departs effective immediately, Board of Directors steps down CALGARY, Alta. – The Hockey Canada Board of Directors has announced important changes to Hockey Canada’s leadership team. Effective immediately, it announced the departure of chief executive officer Scott Smith.
The entire Board has also agreed to step down to make room for a new slate of directors. An interim management committee will be put in place, which will guide the organization until no later than a newly constituted Board appoints a new CEO to lead the organization. Recognizing the urgent need for new leadership and perspectives, the entire Board of Directors announced it will step aside and pursuant to Hockey Canada’s By-Laws, the Board will ask its Members to select a new slate of directors by no later than the forthcoming virtual election scheduled for December 17, 2022. The Board will not seek re-election and will fulfil its fiduciary duties until such time as a new Board is elected. Hockey Canada is seeking board candidates to shape the future of the organization. We encourage qualified individuals to respond to the call for nominations issued by the independent Nominating Committee last week. The interim Management Committee will focus on day-to-day operations and ensure progress on the implementation of Hockey Canada’s Action Plan, including reviewing and working with the Board and Members towards the full implementation of the independent governance review recommendations from The Honourable Thomas Cromwell, C.C., former Supreme Court Justice as well as working to facilitate the effective transition to a new CEO and Board. Hockey Canada will continue to provide public updates on these important changes as well as the continued work towards implementing its ongoing Action Plan.
OHF STATEMENT – HOCKEY CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CAMBRIDGE, ON (Oct 7, 2022) – The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) recognizes the changes made by Hockey Canada and believes this is a good first step in addressing the challenges ahead. This is an incredibly important juncture in our game’s history, and it cannot be understated that trust needs to be rebuilt with Canadians – on and off the ice.
Day in and day out, the OHF will continue to work with our Members (Alliance, GTHL, NOHA, OHA, OHL, OMHA and OWHA) to ensure all stakeholders (leagues, associations, teams, coaches, officials and volunteers) have the tools, support and insurance needed, so players across the OHF continue to have a safe, fun and quality experience on the ice. To ensure a seamless transition of leadership, the OHF operations will collaborate with the newly adjusted interim Management Committee at Hockey Canada over the coming months.
We encourage anyone who believes they have the skill set to be a Hockey Canada Director to get in contact with the Hockey Canada Nominations Committee (Hockey Canada Board of Directors Duties Nomination Form). Through a diversity of skill and people, opinions and approaches, we collectively being the OHF, our Members, leagues, associations, teams, coaches, officials, volunteers, players, parents and fans can create the change we want to see in our game.
Contact:
Lauren Maharaj, Manager Communications and Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 226-533-9074
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