Players know hockey culture is considered toxic. Here's how some are making it better

Speaking to junior hockey teams across Manitoba, Brock McGillis, one of the first professional hockey players to come out as gay, challenges players to share interests outside of the "safe four topics" of conversation — hockey, women, sports and music.

At the beginning of this year's hockey season, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) arranged for every one of its teams to hear a presentation from the LGBTQ advocate. It's part of the league's commitment to addressing criticisms that traditional hockey culture has not done enough to tackle racism, sexism and homophobia.

"Most of them are far more inclusive than previous generations were at that age," McGillis told CBC News.

"But their language and behaviours don't necessarily match, because in that environment, they're told, 'This is how we're supposed to act.'"

Across Canada, at small and large arenas, hockey players are pursuing their NHL and college hockey dreams, but they're doing it under a growing Hockey Canada cloud amidst calls to change the toxic culture that some say makes elite players feel they can get away with anything — on and off the ice.

The controversy began in May, when it emerged that Hockey Canada settled a $3.5-million lawsuit alleging a group sexual assault in 2018 involving players involved with Team Canada at the World Juniors. There has been widespread criticism over its handling of the assault claims and use of special funds — in part made up of registration fees — to pay legal settlements. New allegations have since come to light.

Hockey Canada was dropped by its major sponsors, and its CEO and entire board of directors stepped aside. A new board will be elected Dec. 17.

But people CBC News has spoken to say the entire hockey system must be overhauled because it often ignores bad behaviour of elite players from an early age. Over time, that can develop into a sense of entitlement and what some describe as toxic masculinity inside hockey culture.

Last week, a Hockey Canada report found there were 900 documented or alleged incidents of on-ice discrimination across all levels and age groups during the 2021-22 season. 

Federal Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge said recently that a re-envisioned Hockey Canada "must develop not only exceptional athletes, but also good citizens who respect women, the public and the law."

WATCH | Players pushing for change:

The scandal and its fallout are sensitive topics for junior players, most of whom would love to wear a Team Canada jersey in international competitions.

"A few of my friends have played for Team Canada. Not every hockey player is like that," said forward Davis Fry, 19, of the MJHL's Steinbach Pistons Junior A team.

"Yeah, there's always going to be some bad people and their actions aren't good obviously, but it sucks to be viewed upon like that," agreed team captain Dawson Milliken, 20.