(Montreal) The sporting goods manufacturer Nike has finally ended its sponsorship partnership with Hockey Canada.
Nike was one of several major partners to suspend its sponsorship deal with Canada’s ice hockey governing body in 2022 amid criticism of Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations and sponsorship payments.
Nike’s move comes nearly two weeks after gear brand Bauer resumed its partnership with Hockey Canada after hiring former Curling Canada CEO Katherine Henderson as the organization’s president and CEO.
“Hockey Canada thanks Nike for its long-standing relationship spanning more than two decades and respects its decision to no longer partner with Hockey Canada,” the Hockey Canada governing body said in a statement.
“We are grateful for the support of Bauer Hockey and their renewed investment in our relationship, which bodes well for the future,” it said.
In addition to Henderson’s appointment, Hockey Canada has made several leadership changes to restore its image.
The company’s board of directors resigned last October, as did interim president Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith has also left the organization.
A new board of directors was appointed and Hugh L. Fraser, a retired judge, became president. The federation has also implemented many of the governance changes called for in a damning independent report.
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