Sportswear large Nike has suspended its partnership with Hockey Canada, pausing all support for the game’s nationwide governing physique amid an rising backlash over its mishandling of alleged sexual assaults.
The announcement caps every week that noticed company sponsors together with Chevrolet Canada, Scotiabank and Canadian Tire droop their support for Hockey Canada.
Nike spokesperson Sandra Carreon-John stated Friday the athletic model made the transfer as a result of it was “deeply involved” by the continued studies across the hockey group.
The firm will proceed to observe the scenario and awaits extra info round what Hockey Canada will do to support investigations into the sexual assaults, Carreon-John stated.
Hockey Canada’s web site lists Nike as one among 4 premier advertising and marketing companions.
The different three — Tim Hortons, Esso and Telus — have additionally suspended support for hockey’s governing physique.
A spokesman for Bauer stated Friday the corporate is monitoring the present developments involving Hockey Canada.
Last July, hockey gear maker Bauer Hockey introduced it was pausing monetary sponsorship of the world junior hockey championships final summer time.
‘Extremely disturbing’ allegations, response
Mary-Kay Messier, vice-president of world advertising and marketing for Bauer, stated on the time that the allegations and response had been “extraordinarily disturbing and lift questions on our partnership shifting ahead.”
“As a frontrunner in our sport, we’ll dive deeper and proceed to carry Hockey Canada accountable,” she stated in a July assertion.
“We are additionally dedicated to driving and main constructive tradition change within the recreation and at Hockey Canada as a result of we wish to guarantee hockey is
WATCH l The Fifth Estate examines the nationwide disgrace inside Hockey Canada:
Hockey Canada is on the defensive over allegations that some members of its gold-medal profitable World Junior workforce in 2018 took half in a bunch sexual assault, and the group didn’t do sufficient to carry gamers accountable. The Fifth Estate examines the nationwide disgrace inside Canada’s recreation, and the disturbing historical past that means this was not an remoted incident.