Nova Scotia minor hockey leagues respond to hazing charges

Several Nova Scotia minor hockey leagues have reiterated commitments to protecting players after four youths were charged in a Truro-area hazing investigation; Hockey Nova Scotia and Hockey Canada say training programs will be reviewed later this year, while many leagues have not detailed specific changes.

Several minor hockey leagues in Nova Scotia have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to player safety after criminal charges connected to hazing were announced in the Truro area. The issue drew renewed attention because police said more victims may come forward. CBC contacted all 33 minor hockey associations in the province to ask about hazing prevention and education. Few associations provided detailed responses, and provincial bodies declined interview requests. Known details: - Four youths on a Truro-area team are facing criminal charges connected to hazing, and the RCMP investigation remains active with police indicating more victims may come forward. - Many minor leagues issued public statements affirming protection for players, but most did not describe specific new measures publicly. - CBC reached out to 33 minor hockey associations; four representatives responded and two agreed to interviews. - Hockey Nova Scotia has mandatory training for parents and a code of conduct that addresses maltreatment, bullying and harassment, but it does not have mandatory training for players; Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia plan to review training programs later this year. Summary: Leagues across the province have emphasized player protection publicly while details of any new or expanded player-focused training remain limited. A formal review of training programs by Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia is scheduled for later this year; other changes and their timing are undetermined at this time.