Discrimination Discussion to Take Center Stage at third Hockey Canada Summit, Scheduled in Toronto

Analyzing Hockey Culture: Toronto Summit Zeroes In on Discrimination in the Sport

, and ASMedia

2025 September 24 . 4:42 AM

2 min read

"Third Meeting of Hockey Canada in Toronto to Address Discrimination"

Discrimination Discussion to Take Center Stage at third Hockey Canada Summit, Scheduled in Toronto

The third Beyond the Boards Summit, an initiative by Hockey Canada, is set to take place in Toronto this fall. The event, focusing on addressing discrimination within hockey culture, is part of Hockey Canada's ongoing effort to build a healthier hockey culture in Canada.

The first Beyond the Boards Summit, held in Calgary in 2023, addressed toxic masculinity. The second summit, held last year in Ottawa, analysed the outcomes of unhealthy hockey culture. The upcoming third summit aims to create stronger environments for participants in hockey, as stated by Denise Pattyn, Hockey Canada's senior vice-president of people, culture and inclusion.

The initial allegations put hockey under scrutiny, revealing issues such as racism, hazing, discrimination, and homophobia in the game. One of the most high-profile cases involved allegations of sexual assault by members of the national junior men's hockey team at a 2018 gala in London, Ont. The case put pressure on Hockey Canada to change the sport's culture. Five players were found not guilty of sexual assault in July 2023.

Despite these challenges, the Beyond the Boards Summits have been valuable to Hockey Canada, members, and other guests, as stated by Pattyn. The summits bring together people from across Canada to listen to experts and those with lived experiences.

This year's summit will feature athletes, coaches, and parents. Notable attendees include Ted Nolan, a former NHL head coach, who will speak at the opening night, and Karl Subban, whose sons were drafted into the NHL, who will be a panellist. The third summit will be moderated by Dr. Richard Norman, a strategist and researcher in transformation and inclusivity in sport.

Hockey Canada president and CEO Katherine Henderson has stated that hosting the third Beyond the Boards Summit will be an important step in exploring issues negatively impacting participants across Canada. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming event and the opportunity to learn from those who will attend.

The third Beyond the Boards Summit will take place on November 13, 2023, in Toronto. This report was first published on September 18, 2025, by The Canadian Press.