Key Takeaways:
- Rick Westhead’s new book, "We Breed Lions," exposes the dark side of Canada’s hockey culture and the need for change.
- The book shares untold stories of toxic culture, sexual assault, and hazing in hockey dressing rooms across the country.
- Westhead aims to educate players, coaches, executives, and families in the sport to change the culture inside hockey.
- The book highlights the commercialization of minor hockey, leading to entitlement and a lack of accountability among young players.
- Westhead believes that education and better policies can effect change and hold people accountable for their actions.
Introduction to We Breed Lions
Rick Westhead wants you to read his new book, "We Breed Lions," not because he wants to sell more copies, but because he wants to enact change in the hockey world. The book, which was released last month, shares the untold stories in the sport of hockey and "Canada’s troubled hockey culture." Across 11 chapters, TSN’s senior correspondent and investigative reporter confronts the toxic culture pervading the game, reveals the terrible events that occur behind closed doors in hockey dressing rooms across the country, and takes an in-depth look into the sexual assault trial that involved five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team.
The Dark Side of Hockey
The book is an unflinching account of the dark side of Canada’s popular pastime and the change that still needs to occur to make it better. Westhead told The Hockey News that the issue of transparency is one that still needs to be confronted, and it’s still an area where journalists should be asking hard questions. The book sheds light on the negative behavior within Toronto’s elite minor hockey system, the Greater Toronto Hockey League, and the commercialization of youth minor hockey programs in Canada. This commercialization has led to a culture of entitlement among young players, with parents and players believing that the more they spend, the better the chances that their child will one day reach the NHL.
The Consequences of Entitlement
The consequences of this entitlement can be severe, with young players adopting a sense of self-entitlement that can lead to bad choices, both on and off the ice. The book highlights instances of hazing, objectification, and a lack of respect for others, including teammates, coaches, and officials. Westhead notes that this sense of entitlement can start at a young age, with boys as young as 12 or 13 being treated like professional athletes and being given special treatment. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a sense that the rules do not apply to them.
A Path Forward
Despite the darkness of the book’s subject matter, Westhead is hopeful that it can be a catalyst for change. He believes that education and better policies can effect change and hold people accountable for their actions. In the final chapter of the book, Westhead writes about "a path forward," highlighting the good that is occurring within the game and the people who are working to make a positive impact. He notes that there are always going to be people who make bad choices, but that through education and awareness, we can create a culture where people feel empowered to speak up and stop bad behavior.
The Importance of Education and Accountability
Westhead’s book is a call to action, urging players, coaches, executives, and families in the sport to reflect on what they can do to become leaders in their communities. He believes that education is key to creating a culture of respect and accountability, and that by sharing the stories of those who have been affected by the toxic culture of hockey, we can create a better future for the sport. By donating the proceeds of his book to Canadian organizations trying to end gender-based violence and others striving to improve accessibility in sports, Westhead is putting his money where his mouth is, and demonstrating his commitment to creating positive change in the hockey world.
