Ontario Hockey Federation asks Hockey Canada not to collect player fees

The Ontario Hockey Federation has re-sent a formal request asking Hockey Canada not to collect the $3 participant assessment fee from its members this season.

The move comes after Hockey Quebec voted to suspend paying the fees to the national body on Tuesday night.

Hockey Canada has been under scrutiny for its handling of reported sexual assault cases allegedly involving players from the 2003 and 2018 Canadian world junior teams.

In an email to The Canadian Press, OHF executive director Philip McKee said the request was first made to former chair Michael Brind’Amour in July. McKee said it’s the OHF’s understanding that the request never made it to the board before Brind’Amour stepped down in August.

The OHF is Canada’s largest provincial hockey federation, overseeing groups such as the OHL, GTHL and other minor hockey programs.

“The OHF remains committed to protecting the game of hockey on and off the ice this season for our members,” McKee said in a statement to CTV’s Paul Ross. “We are also committed to being transparent about our operations to our Members, the communities, volunteers, families and players who rely on us to play the game they love.

“The OHF is monitoring the situation at Hockey Canada, as we strive to create effective and meaningful change. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensure that the game of hockey is available to all in safe, fun and inclusive environment.”

CityNews journalist Cormac Mac Sweeney reported Hockey Nova Scotia will meet next week to discuss next steps for the organization.

On Tuesday, Canadian Federal Sports minister Pascale St-Onge called for regional hockey federations to pressure Hockey Canada into making changes. The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage questioned Brind’Amour and interim chair Andrea Skinner about how Hockey Canada handles sexual assault allegations.