Hockey Canada has been in turmoil for months and has finally found the person they believe can get the organization back on track.
The National Hockey Federation has appointed Katherine Henderson as the organization’s President and CEO, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Here’s what you need to know about Hockey Canada’s new boss.
She worked in the world of curling
Prior to accepting her mandate at Hockey Canada, Katherine Henderson was CEO of Curling Canada for seven years and during her tenure focused on inclusion and diversity.
“She has successfully led initiatives to welcome new Canadians to the sport, achieve equal pay for the men’s and women’s curling teams, and effect a financial turnaround in the organization’s business model,” the Hockey Canada press release said.
She is not afraid of change
Ms Henderson also addressed the decline in Canada’s curling performance in January 2023 after she commissioned a large independent study to find out the overall state of the sport so Canada could return to the top.
“Everything is on the table. Nobody has to be afraid. Everything is done for the best and the change is well mastered. However, I’ve clearly heard from our athletes and our staff that they believe changes are needed,” she said after the study was completed.
Katherine Henderson eventually hired Scotsman David Murdoch as high performance director after he oversaw the British women’s and men’s teams that won gold and silver respectively at the Beijing Olympics.
She succeeds Scott Smith
Katherine Henderson will replace Scott Smith, who resigned in October 2022 amid organizational unrest after sexual assault allegations against two former junior national teams emerged.
All board members would have done the same.
“We hope Hockey Canada will actively work on the transition to a new team with the expertise to ensure better player care and an environment free from sexual violence and discrimination,” said Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge.
Ms. Henderson will officially take office on September 4th.