Sportswear giant Nike has permanently ended its sponsorship partnership with Hockey Canada.
Nike was one of several major partners to pause its sponsorship deal with the Canadian Ice Hockey Federation in 2022 amid intense criticism of Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations and settlements.
Nike’s decision comes nearly two weeks after equipment brand Bauer resumed its partnership with Hockey Canada after hiring former Curling Canada executive Katherine Henderson as president and CEO of Hockey Canada.
“Hockey Canada is grateful for its long-standing partnership with Nike for over two decades and respects their decision not to remain a partner of Hockey Canada,” the organization said in a statement.
“We are encouraged by Bauer Hockey’s support and their renewed investment in our partnership, which signals a positive step forward.”
In addition to Henderson’s appointment, Hockey Canada has made several changes at the top in an attempt to restore its image.
The board resigned last October, along with interim chairwoman Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith also left the organization.
A new board was appointed and Hugh Fraser, a retired judge, joined the board as chairman, and the association has implemented many of the governance changes outlined in a damning independent report.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2023.
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