Download the Crisis Communication Checklist and kickstart your effective crisis response planning
Oct. 25, 2022

211: The 3 Biggest Reasons for Hockey Canada's Crisis

211: The 3 Biggest Reasons for Hockey Canada's Crisis
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Spotify podcast player icon Youtube Music podcast player icon RSS Feed podcast player icon
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Spotify podcast player icon Youtube Music podcast player icon RSS Feed podcast player icon

Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for sexual assault.

After a long series of other troubling accusations, including one by a woman sexually assaulted by eight hockey players, and cover-ups, secrecy, and poor leadership, the reputation of Hockey Canada is severely tarnished. 

This week’s podcast breaks down the three reasons why the crisis has been so deadly for the brand and so devastating for the victims and the stakeholders. This episode sheds light on how long this crisis has been going on, some of the attempts to cover it up, and the lack of transparency on the part of Hockey Canada when it came to the media. Hear about how the problem of leadership not backing down fed the scandal and the additional crisis caused when the entire board stepped down at the same time. Listen in for some key takeaways to consider to prevent a future crisis at your organization. 


Key Points From This Episode:

  • A clip from TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead breaking the story about Hockey Canada. TW: For listeners who wish to avoid his account of an incident involving sexual assault, please skip audio between [00:17] and [00:44].
  • The framing of this story for the purpose of this podcast, and why it feels so American.
  • TW: For listeners who wish to avoid further details about the sexual assault, please skip audio from [05:24] to [08:00] 
  • The masculine nature of the sport and the risky behavior that accompanies it.
  • Other Canadian PR crises from recent times. 
  • Insight into how long this crisis has been going on and some attempts to cover it up.
  • The stepping down of President and CEO Scott Smith, as well as the entire board, and how it caused an additional crisis.
  • The problem of lack of transparency and the company’s silence towards the media. 
  • How leaders not backing down fed the scandal. 
  • The survey Hockey Canada sent to supporters and how this can be seen as a doubling down tactic. 
  • The Indestructible PR Tip

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - on Audible

Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts


Join Molly on Patreon for even deeper dives into celebrity PR strategies and exclusive live sessions!

Follow Molly for daily updates and more PR insights:

© 2024 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson