Former Quebec Remparts goalie-turned-singer-songwriter Jonathan Roy commented on the junior hockey initiation scandal, which has been a pretty hot topic lately.
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On Thursday, he said on the show La Tour that he experienced this period of humiliating initiations during his internship with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ).
“I did not get [des initiations] and it was part of hockey and sports culture. […] There are very abusive initiations,” said the key stakeholder.
The 33-year-old pointed out that those initiations have to stop and that there’s simply no point in keeping them in place.
“There are other ways to connect with your friends. Stop it, we’re not here anymore, we’re in 2023.
In addition, Jonathan Roy has launched a call for dialogue to prevent such situations from recurring.
“I hope that we can talk to each other more and more so that there is a better development. I think the new generation is wonderful. [Voyez] how young people express themselves and understand a lot more.”
The ex-bouncer played under his father Patrick’s tutelage for three seasons from 2006 to 2009.
The topic has received a lot of media attention in recent weeks. QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau tendered his resignation after testifying before the Parliamentary Committee to answer questions from elected officials about demeaning appointments that may have taken place within the League.