The panel will be chaired by former New Brunswick premier Camille Theriault and will include former women’s national team coach Danielle 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.”
That panel was formed after a class action lawsuit was launched by former NHLer Dan Carcillo and WHL player Garrett Taylor detailing horrific hazing and abuse, some of a sexual nature, which led to lifelong mental health difficulties for former players.
Kennedy, who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a coach while playing in the WHL, is widely known for his role in bringing the attention of abuse in sport to the forefront. He has been instrumental in bringing governments, public and private sector partners together to work collaboratively to influence policy change and improve the way child abuse is handled. He co-founded the Calgary and Area Child Advocacy Centre and the Respect Group. He has received countless awards and honorary doctorates, including being named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2014 and the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2020.
The goal is to have the report of the Independent Review Panel completed in time for the start of the 2020-21 season.