Bauer drops out as equipment supplier of Hockey Canada

Last week was an absolute financial reckoning for Hockey Canada.

Major sponsors like Esso, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons and Scotiabank pulled their investments from Hockey Canada, calling for change at the organization's executive level. Sure, spokesperson and interim head of chair Andrea Skinner resigned in response, but I feel that that has less to do with sponsorship announcements and more to do with her disgraceful comments in Parliament.

Skinner proved herself to be woefully out of touch with the concerns of MPs and, by extension, the general public. She broadcasted an air of hubris and entitlement that many felt only proved how and why Hockey Canada has gotten itself into so much trouble. Skinner mis-categorized the recent criticism against her organization as a media blitz, stopping just short of using the term 'Fake News'. In my eyes, it was a desperate attempt to shift the narrative away from Hockey Canada's executive staff and to place blame for their failings elsewhere. No one really fell for it though and now Skinner is out. As for the rest of Hockey Canada's staff, including CEO Scott Smith... crickets... absolutely no word.

Today, Bauer announced that it was following the likes of Esso, Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons and Scotiabank in removing its support from Hockey Canada.

From The Globe and Mail:

Hockey Canada’s official equipment provider, Bauer Hockey, is pulling financial support for the men’s teams – including providing free equipment such as helmets and gloves – and has been speaking with potential new candidates about running to replace current members of the organization’s board.

Bauer, which had already paused its sponsorship in the summer over Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations, said it was taking additional steps because of recent developments, including a meeting it held with top people at the organization.

Bauer executives met with Hockey Canada chief executive Scott Smith and then-interim board chair Andrea Skinner on Aug. 31, and came away frustrated that the leaders failed to commit to changes to address hockey culture in Canada.

After the developments last week, where Hockey Canada was accused of not fully answering questions at parliamentary hearings, Bauer is now acting further.

- The Globe and Mail