Hockey family deserving of closure after lengthy struggle

At a time when inclusion and anti-bullying are emphasized in so many conversations, there is a thin line between sincerity and being disingenuous. One segment of society where this line can occasionally be blurred is sport. The current struggle with a hockey family in Ontario demonstrates that there are many frustrations and obstacles that need to be addressed.

Beginning with a complaint filed at the OWHA level regarding an inappropriate racial slur, followed by a series of appeals, a pair of investigations and a subsequent pair of final reports, none have provided the family with the necessary closure. Refusing to suffer in silence, family patriarch Peter Stickle remains highly dedicated to positive change, hoping that any such incidents in future are dealt with greater transparency and accountability.

Sadly, the incident which triggered a complaint occurred during a game on February 26, 2022.  With the U13 Kitchener Lady Rangers opposing the Orangeville Tigers, the dying minutes of the third period resulted in a 1-on-1 battle for the puck. As the Lady Rangers player was pinned to the board, she told Stickle’s daughter, skating for the Tigers, “Get off me, N-word.” Although slashing and cross-checking followed, an emotional reaction by the Tigers skater found her serving a four-minute penalty.

In the aftermath of the game, the skater explained to her head coach, Sandra Payne about the inappropriate use of the racial slur. This information was relayed to the Lady Rangers head coach, prompting the involvement of Stickle in the conversation.

While a statement was made that the Lady Rangers players would be talked to regarding sportsman-like behaviour, Stickle saw this as a much more serious issue. Referring to an incident in the East Coast Hockey League, which saw a player from the Jacksonville Icemen utter a racial slur to Jordan Subban, an indefinite suspension occurred after the game. Additionally, Jacksonville released the player, making a strong statement about zero tolerance.

As the conversation with the Lady Rangers coach did not bring about resolution, it was agreed upon that the matter go through the official complaint process of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA). Within 48 hours of filing the complaint, Stickle was advised from a prominent leader in the OWHA that such matters are taken very seriously.

The result proved to be very disillusioning for Stickle. Waiting six weeks for a report from an independent investigator, the lengthy wait compounded any feelings of tension and/or frustration. Despite acknowledgement that a racial slur was used, there was no particular player named, and more importantly, no discipline or accountability according to the rules. As a side note, it was pointed out that the player who uttered the slur was the target of the slash and cross-check.

Additionally, said report indicated that a contest between the Lady Rangers and Grand River Mustangs also resulted in the unfortunate use of the N-word. Of note, the Mustangs never field a complaint but it was certainly alarming that one team used this word twice. Such information was provided to the OWHA investigator. The Lady Rangers replied to the outcome of the report with a letter of apology, committing to participation in diversity training. Although the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association recognized the use of a racial slur, stating that the player made a mistake.

Certainly, the letter of apology and the diversity training were positive steps. With due deference, there was still the matter of closure. Considering Hockey Canada’s Rule 11.4, which states, “Any player or team official who engages in taunts, insults, or intimidation based on discriminatory grounds will be assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty.” Expanding on the ruling, it states a minimum of a five-game player suspension. Considering that another Lady Rangers game saw the unacceptable use of the N-word, either a forfeit or removal of points in the standings would have reflected accountability at the team level.

The fact that the investigation was closed via email only added to the frustration. Observing that there was no hearing to hear direct arguments, nor were any players spoken to, a greater concern emerged for Stickle. Considering that the Tigers roster had another black player, any support or communication during the investigation would have gone a long way in bringing about healing. 

Wanting to appeal, Stickle did not find that the expectation of the documented policies and procedures were followed accordingly. Advised that the OWHA rendered its final decision, he had no alternative but escalate the concern to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), which was based on a documented appeal policy. A hearing lasting several hours took place on July 14, 2022, including the attendance of the OWHA, a 3-person OHF panel, several witnesses and Stickle.

A new investigation conducted by the OHF took place, supplying their final report on October 19, 2022. Identifying apparent confusion between the role of discipline and education, emphasizing that education cannot replace the role of discipline, said report issued a recommendation of a player suspension pursuant to Hockey Canada Rule 11.4. Also recommending a hearing regarding the actions or inactions of the Lady Rangers coach, further frustrations emerged for Stickle.

Unfortunately, Stickle was never made aware if a player suspension was issued or if a hearing concerning the coach ever took place. Not only was Stickle seeking information regarding any timelines available for action to occur, it was never made clear if any future confusion between discipline and education shall be resolved.

Escalating the matter to Hockey Canada, hoping that they would take jurisdiction through their complaint process, the response acknowledged that an appeal with the OHF was taking place, referring Stickle back to a person at OHF that had ghosted him. Unfortunately, things remained in stasis, still unaware if any actions from the Final Report ever happened. 

With a lack of transparency and accountability, Stickle and his family remain determined to gain the answers and accountability they are owed. Filing a complaint against the OWHA and the OHF with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the next step is for a hearing to take place. Although closure remains an essential theme, the bigger picture is equally important.

Stickle hopes that another family will not have to endure such struggle and frustration in the fight for fairness. The issue central to the unfortunate experience for Stickle and his family was the decisions made by the leadership of the OWHA and OHF. Hoping that a neutral arbitrator would apply the rules accordingly, the results were underwhelming.

With rules and processes in place, there should never be any deviation. Any such occurrence should be met with accountability, with no bias whatsoever. Practicing consistency would simultaneously emphasize that punishment will occur. Regardless of age, a player suspension should be mandatory. If a player is willing to use a racial slur in a game, they should be willing to accept the consequences that comes with it.

Clear guidelines concerning parameters for the length of an investigation, transparency concerning disciplinary action, while ensuring open lines of communication also need to be essential. The reality is that how such matters are handled needs to be modernized in order to facilitate inclusion while fostering a culture built on trust. 

Reflecting on the entire saga, things continue to be dragged out. Although looking back on any mistakes made is easy, some small actions would have possibly held big results. While the head coach is responsible for the actions of the team on and off the ice, the culture for all teams and organizations should be one where action will not involve “sweeping it under the carpet”.

Considering that the Orangeville Tigers roster had two black players, it would have gone a long way towards improving team morale had the OWHA sent a representative to speak to the team after the investigation. Even if the final decision may not have been satisfactory for some, having a representative there to gauge how the players were feeling would have shown care.

Such issues also raise concerns about mental health in the game. Perhaps now is the time to look at the possibility of a Director for Mental Health and Equity Issues. Undoubtedly, the availability of a counselor for teams would represent an innovative step forward, working towards eradicating the stoicism which forces many athletes to suffer in silence.

Perhaps the greatest lesson learned is the painful fact that although this incident took place two and a half years ago, frustration remains prevalent. Regardless of the path forward, the game will never be the same for players and family alike. Is it so wrong for the leadership in question to admit that things could have been handled differently? Considering the hurt caused, to what benefit does further dragging this make it better for anyone? In the short-term, an athlete that is the target of a racial slur may feel discouraged to come forward based on the struggles that Stickle has experienced. The foundation of the playing culture is one where skaters need to feel safe, while parents need to feel trust. Simple actions on the part of leaders such as transparency and accountability can restore such sentiment. Fulfilling their responsibilities sets the tone for everyone within an organization, and it is an effort not only worth undertaking, but one that requires priority.

To learn more about Hockey Canada’s Rule 11.4, please refer to:

http://rulebook.hockeycanada.ca/english/part-ii-gameplay-fouls/section-11/rule-9-3/