Rick Westhead, an investigative journalist and TSN senior correspondent, shared insights about the systemic issues of abuse in youth hockey during his recent talk at the Investigative Journalism Bureau. His discussion centered around the alarming revelations in his bestselling book 'We Breed Lions,' which explores the dark realities faced by young athletes. The urgency of addressing these issues was underscored by a pivotal phone call he received, guiding him to a case involving allegations of sexual assault by multiple players from the Canada World Junior team.

The case that caught national attention involved accusations against five junior players who were alleged to have sexually assaulted a young woman at a hotel in London, Ontario. This incident not only sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the sport but also opened a broader conversation about safety and the culture surrounding youth hockey in Canada. As Westhead emphasized, the implications of these findings extend beyond hockey itself and challenge societal norms regarding power and abuse.

The discussions raised by Westhead's findings have the potential to instigate significant changes, not just in hockey, but in how institutions address issues of abuse and support victims. By bringing this difficult truth to light, Westhead advocates for a collective reckoning that could reshape the future of youth sports in Canada, leading to safer environments for young athletes.