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A new 234-page report released by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) calls for sweeping reforms to junior hockey in Canada—most notably, the elimination of fighting and the implementation of a national public sanctions database. The report, published May 8, 2024, but not widely reported until now, urges Hockey Canada to lead a cultural shift that prioritizes player safety and discourages violence at all levels of the game.
The OSIC, a federally funded body tasked with addressing maltreatment in Canadian sport, launched its investigation to assess hockey's sport environment and make recommendations aimed at protecting young athletes. Their top proposal: that Hockey Canada push for a ban on fighting across all junior leagues, including the CHL’s Ontario and Western leagues, following the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League's (QMJHL) successful adoption of strict anti-fighting rules.
According to the report, banning fighting would reduce barriers to entry for grassroots participants and create a safer, more inclusive hockey environment. It also recommended a nationwide public sanctions registry, where individuals suspended or banned for serious misconduct could be listed—creating transparency and accountability within the sport.
During the 2024–25 regular season, the QMJHL saw a significant drop in fighting, recording just 40 fights compared to 285 in the OHL and 319 in the WHL. The QMJHL’s policy includes automatic ejections and suspensions for instigators, which has dramatically reduced altercations since implementation in August 2023.
The OSIC also suggested that Hockey Canada lead a national awareness campaign using alumni, professional players, and respected figures to advocate for ending the glorification of violence in hockey. Data from the QMJHL’s post-ban environment would help evaluate broader impacts on penalties and game flow.
In addition to eliminating fighting, the report recommends standardized Safe Sport policies, consistent screening for coaches and players, mandatory training for grassroots volunteers, and a unified approach to managing misconduct complaints. It also calls for greater involvement from broadcasters and media figures in de-emphasizing violent behavior in their coverage.
While Hockey Canada acknowledged the report and noted ongoing progress toward many of the recommendations, it emphasized that it does not govern the CHL, which operates independently. CHL leagues, including the OHL and WHL, have stated they are reviewing the findings but are not currently planning major changes to their rulebooks.
The OSIC report drew on feedback from over 1,800 stakeholders, including players, parents, coaches, and officials, as well as experts like former NHL goalie Jocelyn Thibault and abuse survivor Sheldon Kennedy. The findings were guided by a group of advocates and former hockey executives committed to reshaping hockey’s culture at every level.
Although OSIC’s mandate is being transitioned to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), the report emphasizes the need for lasting institutional change. Establishing a transparent sanctions system and removing fighting from junior hockey are positioned as critical first steps toward a safer, more respectful future for Canadian athletes.
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#HockeyCanada #JuniorHockey #OSICReport #FightingBan #SafeSport #CHL #QMJHL #WHL #OHL #HockeySafety #PlayerWelfare #SportsReform #NHLJuniorSystems #PublicSanctionsRegistry #HockeyCultureChange
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