With its racism and discrimination laid bare thanks to an independent review, Karl Subban called it a great day for the GTHL.
The Black educator, former coach and father of three professional hockey players hailed the release of an independent review of racism and discrimination within the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The main finding in the 136-page report: “Racism and discrimination exist within the GTHL.”
Subban said he wasn’t surprised at the finding. “Hockey is a microcosm of society,” he said.
But what gives him hope is that the committee, which included Subban, had been commissioned by the league itself as it tries to find ways to look more like the diverse community it serves. The committee provided 44 recommendations to help league make change as it relates to racism and discrimination.
“We’re moving forward and the sport is moving forward,” said Subban. “The GTHL, we really believe, that they’re being proactive. And they’re taking steps to make all GTHL space safe and secure for everyone, including those from marginalized communities.
“So I feel very positive about the steps that they’re taking.”
Journalist Anastasia Bucsis (a former Olympian in long-track speedskating) and lawyer Michael Smith (a former member of Canada’s national men’s wrestling team) co-chaired the committee that authored the “Roadmap For Change.”
“While racism is often associated with overt behaviour, it is often exhibited as discriminations and microaggressions that are difficult to recognize for individuals not within minority groups, which is the larger issue in the GTHL,” the report reads. “Privilege is often invisible and at times, limits one’s ability to identify instances of discrimination. Further training and education are needed.”
Some of the recommendations should be easy.
- The Mississauga Blackhawks will change their name and logo. The Mississauga Reps will change their logo (they also use the Chicago Blackhawks logo) to rid the league of the final teams that use stereotypical or racist mascots or imagery.
- The league is being asked to create more mentorship programs in coaching for women and those from under-represented communities, something the GTHL has already initiated.
Some will take time to foster change.
- The committee asks that more women and BIPOC individuals are nominated to key board positions — half of the board is elected each year on two-year terms.
- The league is being asked to find financial solutions to help those from underserved communities get into what is a very expensive sport.
Some will require a leap of faith.
- Those who witness or experience racial slurs will be encouraged to report them through an anonymous hotline to allow the league to investigate even as the committee acknowledges there exists a “culture of silence and fear of complaining.”
The GTHL — the largest amateur hockey league in the world — asked the committee to form in 2020, part of an ongoing effort for the league to diversify from its largely white image.
“The face of Canada is changing, and ‘Canada’s Game’ must change if it wants to continue to be regarded proudly as the country’s pastime,” the report reads.
The league had 26,746 players registered this year, a decline from its pre-COVID numbers of about 34,000. It has only begun to research its own demographics, with fewer than 25 per cent of players playing at A, AA, and AAA identifying as non-white.
“We’d love the hockey rink to look like the classroom space,” said Scott Oakman, executive director and chief operating officer of the league.
“Now there will be a roadmap for a change and a roadmap for making the difference,” said Subban. “I applaud the GTHL. Today is a great day for the GTHL, for hockey and all of its stakeholders.”
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