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By Connor Gunn

Sheldon Kennedy chosen to sit on CHL Independent Review Panel on hazing allegations

Jul 23, 2020 | 1:09 PM

TORONTO, ON– The Canadian Hockey League has appointed an Independent Review Panel to review the current policies and practices that relate to hazing, abuse, harassment, and bullying allegations.

Previous and current players allege that they do not and did not feel comfortable with the harassment and hazing done throughout the season.

The panel will be chaired by former Premier of New Brunswick Camille Thériault and will include Sheldon Kennedy and Danièle Sauvageau.

“The CHL is committed to the 1,400 young men who play in our league and the protection of our players has been and will always be our primary concern,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie.

“This is why we have assembled this Independent Review Panel to review the effectiveness of our current policies, player experience programs and procedures for reporting off-ice misconduct, to help ensure that we are providing the safest environment free of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying.”

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A statement regarding the allegations was given:

“Over the last 20 years the CHL and its member leagues the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, have made a number of advancements to Players First programs including extensive policies and practices to educate players and team staff on respect in sport, prevention of hazing, abuse, harassment and bullying, along with introducing a leading mental health program, Talk Today, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.”

The CHL said they would like to have reviewed the report of the Independent Review Panel in time for the start of the 2020-21 season to make some changes if any are needed.