BFL Canada suspends sponsorship of upcoming men’s hockey season

Following the fallout of Hockey Canada’s controversial fund for sexual abuse, sponsor BFL Canada has announced that it is suspending its sponsorship of the sports organization’s men’s hockey 2022-2023 season.

“Like all Canadians, we expect Hockey Canada and its members to commit to change and actively pursue transparency and accountability within its organization,” the brokerage said in a statement. “We expect stronger leadership from all Hockey Canada stakeholders to improve safety for all, on and off the ice.”

BFL Canada however will continue to support women’s and para hockey teams, as well as youth hockey. This extends to Foundation initiatives that benefit youth and their parents, such as the Dream Come True Program and the Assist Fund.

“We are committed to the future of Canadian hockey, and we want to be part of this journey with all Canadians,” the brokerage stated.

Read more: Hockey Canada had abuse claim reserve fund: court documents

Court documents in July revealed that Hockey Canada had maintained a reserve fund to pay for uninsured liabilities, such as sexual abuse claims. This so-called “National Equity Fund” tapped into player registration fees to pay for the claims and went virtually undisclosed until it was mentioned in an affidavit by the sports organization’s former vice president of insurance in a lawsuit.

Read more: Hockey Canada makes official declaration over fund controversy

It was reported that BFL Canada CEO Barry Lorenzetti was called to testify before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on Hockey Canada’s National Equity Fund.