The national women's hockey team released a statement on Thursday, showing cautious optimism for the overhaul finally happening with Hockey Canada's board of directors and executives.
"The recent developments out of Hockey Canada are a first step in what we hope represents the beginning of positive change in the future of hockey in Canada," read the statement, which was first tweeted by Erin Ambrose, but then also by other members of the women's team, who won gold at the recent world championship in Denmark.
On Tuesday, Hockey Canada president and CEO Scott Smith departed, and the entire board of directors resigned, in light of controversy that first came to light in May that the organization had reached an undisclosed settlement with a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight players, including members of the country’s 2018 world junior team. Since that time, another alleged assault involving the 2003 world junior men's team has also come to light.
"We are united like never before in ensuring that the best interests of hockey players and fans are at the core of everything Hockey Canada does," the women's statement continues.
"We ask for equal representation with a seat at the table, as we continue to promote and grow the women's game globally, so that we may bring our perspective and input to ensure that our national sport's governing body evolves to one that truly represents all Canadians and safeguards its participants."
Ambrose, 28, won Olympic gold with Canada at the 2022 Games and has been with the national program at the U18 and senior level since 2010.
