🏒 What Is Hockey Canada?
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Hockey Canada was formed in 1968 following a merger with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, which had existed since 1914.
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It oversees amateur and junior hockey across the country—from grassroots programs to high-performance teams—and selects national teams for IIHF events and the Olympic Winter Games.
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Headquartered in Calgary, with offices and regional centres in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Montreal.
Leadership & Governance
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Katherine Henderson became President & CEO in September 2023, the first woman to hold the position. She took charge during a period of organizational reform following a major crisis.
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In spring 2025, Hockey Canada unveiled a newly refined mission, vision, and values—shaped by community feedback—designed to strengthen governance and support a healthier hockey environment nationwide.
Major Events & Programs
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Hockey Canada manages national events, including:
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Centennial Cup: Junior A national championship. Calgary Canucks won the 2025 tournament held in Calgary.
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Support of international U‑17, U‑18, and sledge hockey competitions like the World U‑17 Hockey Challenge, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and World Sledge Hockey Challenge.
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Though national teams in major tournaments like IIHF World Juniors and World Championships are selected in collaboration with Hockey Canada, events such as the 2025 4 Nations Face‑Off were organized by the NHL, not Hockey Canada directly .
Recent Highlights & Controversies
✅ 2025 4 Nations Face‑Off
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Canada won the 4 Nations Face‑Off (featuring teams from Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden) with an OT win over the U.S. ❄️ Connor McDavid scored the winner. The final drew record viewership on ESPN, fueling intense bilateral rivalry and cultural attention.
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The opening game in Montreal featured three fights in the first nine seconds, instigated by Team USA players to provoke atmosphere in front of Canadian fans. Canada responded by storming back in the final.
⚖️ Sexual Assault Scandal & Legal Fallout
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A long-standing scandal erupted around sexual assault allegations tied to Hockey Canada. Internal funds were reportedly used for settlements, sparking public and sponsor outrage. This led to a full overhaul of leadership and major reforms starting in 2022 Wikipedia.
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On July 24, 2025, an Ontario judge ruled that prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proof in a high-profile case involving five former World Juniors players. The judge described the accuser’s testimony as “neither credible nor reliable.” While verdicts remain pending, the ruling has huge implications for accountability in sport
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