Bauer Hockey pulls financial support for Hockey Canada’s men’s teams

Bauer Hockey has announced it is pulling financial support for Hockey Canada’s men’s teams.

The company is the latest to pause support for Hockey Canada amid widespread criticism for its handling of an alleged sexual assault involving members of the 2018 men’s national junior team.

“We have lost confidence in Hockey Canada’s Leadership. Our goal is to drive leadership change and in collaboration with others provide a constructive path forward to bring new solutions to the table,” said Bauer in a statement.

Bauer is pausing a multi-million-dollar commitment as the official equipment provider to the Hockey Canada men’s teams.

In a statement, the company says it will still let Hockey Canada purchase products for the men’s programs. It says it will re-deploy the profits of Hockey Canada purchases to increase accessibility and equity in girl’s, women’s, Para-hockey and other underrepresented communities.

Over the weekend, interim board chair of Hockey Canada, Andrea Skinner resigned following days of parliamentary committee hearing in which she defended the organization’s leadership.

Other major sponsors that have cut ties with Hockey Canada include Tim Hortons, Nike, Canadian Tire, Esso, Telus, Scotiabank, The Keg, Swiss Chalet, Pepsico, Sobeys, Chevrolet, BDO and BFL.