To improve Quebec’s hockey culture, the Montreal Canadiens partnered with the Sport’Aide organization to begin a training and awareness program.
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In recent weeks, disturbing testimony from former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players has highlighted a culture that is not always healthy, particularly around inductions for athletes into junior ranks.
During a press conference held at the Bell Center on Saturday, CH announced that it had donated $250,000 over two years to Sport’Aide, creating Moi j’embark.
This program will offer training activities and educational tools to promote respect and encourage performance to coexist with well-being in sports practice. Former Canadian players as well as current members of the team will take part in the project.
“We believe that the actions proposed under this program will bring about positive change in the ice hockey community and make it easier for everyone to practice our sport in a healthy and safe environment,” said Vice President, Habs Community Engagement, Geneviève Paquette in a press release .
Across Quebec
The Canadian and Sport’Aide also announced a new collaboration with Hockey Quebec to bring the “Moi j’embark” program “to all hockey players in Quebec”.
“We all have a role to play in changing hockey culture, and I would like to applaud the initiative from the Canadiens and Sport’Aide, which will enable the implementation of a positive approach to education and awareness among our members,” said Hockey Jocelyn Thibault, Executive Vice President of Quebec.
No date has yet been announced for the start of this pilot project.