Andrea Skinner, Hockey Canada’s interim chair, resigns from position

Hockey Canada has confirmed that Andrea Skinner, interim chair of the organization’s board of directors, has submitted her resignation.

Skinner assumed the role in August after the resignation of former chair Michael Brind’Amour.

In a statement, Skinner says that due to recent events, “it no longer makes sense for me to continue to volunteer my time as Interim Chair or as a Director of the organization.”

“Despite recent challenges, I am gratified to have had the opportunity to cross paths with countless volunteers, dedicated people within the organization, sponsors and other stakeholders,” Skinner’s statement read, in part.

“I sincerely appreciate the support I have received from many Canadians, particularly women, who also seek to positively influence the game and sport.”

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Previously, Skinner defended the organization and said hockey shouldn’t be made a “scapegoat” for a toxic culture that exists elsewhere in society.

Hockey Canada has been under intense scrutiny since May after it was revealed that an undisclosed settlement had been paid to a woman who alleged eight players sexually assaulted her after a 2018 gala in London, Ont.

The woman made the allegations in a $3.55-million lawsuit, saying the assault included members of the country’s world junior team. Allegations of gang sexual assault involving the 2003 world junior team emerged in July.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

On Wednesday, Hockey Quebec said it had lost confidence in Hockey Canada and would not transfer funds to the national organization.

The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHL), the largest of Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial hockey federations, re-sent a formal request to Hockey Canada not to collect the $3 participant assessment fee from its members for the 2022-23 season.

Several key sponsors, including Tim Hortons and Nike, have recently pulled their support of Hockey Canada.

With files from The Canadian Press