Investigative Journalist Rick Westhead Confronts Hockey's Dark Realities
Rick Westhead, the senior correspondent for TSN and acclaimed author, recently participated in a profound discussion hosted by the Investigative Journalism Bureau. The event focused on his best-selling book We Breed Lions, which delves into the troubling culture of abuse within youth hockey in Canada. This conversation, held at Postmedia Place in Toronto, was moderated by Investigative Journalism Bureau Director Robert Cribb and attracted a diverse audience including parents, players, journalists, and concerned citizens.
A Fateful Phone Call That Changed Everything
Westhead nearly missed a pivotal moment in his career while filming a documentary in Europe. Repeated calls from an unknown number went unanswered until he finally picked up. The caller urged him to examine a court file in London, Ontario, containing allegations of sexual abuse. "This will change hockey. It may change our country," the whistleblower declared, setting Westhead on a path to uncover a scandal that would captivate the nation for over two years.
This investigation centered on five Canada World Junior players, aged 18 to 20 at the time, who were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman at a London hotel in June 2018. Although the players were later acquitted by Ontario's Superior Court, the case ignited a nationwide dialogue about the pervasive culture of hazing and alleged sexual offenses within hockey.
Unveiling Systemic Issues in Canada's Beloved Sport
During the interview, Westhead emphasized that his work is fostering crucial conversations to enhance child safety in Canada. He acknowledged the dual nature of hockey, stating, "We can have a game that is amazing and I think hockey is the best game in the world, but it can also be true that a sport can have systemic issues." His book meticulously documents a series of proven and alleged incidents of sexual assault, abuse, and hazing in Canadian junior hockey, highlighting the structural problems that allow such behavior to persist.
One significant issue Westhead identifies is the tolerance shown by coaches and parents towards young players who often act without fear of repercussions. This environment, he argues, contributes to a culture where misconduct is overlooked or excused.
The Psychological Impact on Young Athletes
In We Breed Lions, Westhead cites Larissa Mills, a cognitive behavioral coach who works with youth hockey players. Mills expresses deep concern about the development of these athletes, noting that many are becoming "egotistical adults with no boundaries or social etiquette" due to a lack of disciplinary action from authorities. She warns, "The kids don't fear anyone. They don't fear their coaches or their parents. It's scary. I'm worried about our young children's development today.... We wind up making excuses for so many kids who have this cocky bravado, who hurt people around them."
Westhead's reporting required him to critically examine the sport he loves, challenging his own perceptions as a hockey fan. He stressed that confronting these difficult truths is essential for fostering a safer and more accountable hockey culture.
A Call for Change and Accountability
The event marked the inaugural IJB Press Club gathering, designed to bring prominent journalists and newsmakers together for in-depth discussions on issues of public importance. Westhead's insights underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms in youth hockey to protect young athletes and address the root causes of abuse. By shedding light on these dark corners, his work aims to pave the way for meaningful change, ensuring that the sport can be enjoyed without compromising the safety and well-being of its participants.
