Langley sports store pulls sponsorship from Coquitlam Minor Hockey, citing CityNews story

A sporting goods store in Langley has announced it is pulling its sponsorship from the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association, citing concerns of racism in the organization that were first reported by CityNews.

In an Instagram post Thursday, The Hockey Shop posted a message saying its team was “disturbed to read about the incidents in the article.”

“We do not support or condone racism or discrimination of any kind,” the message reads.

“We will not sponsor any association, business or program that doesn’t support the same ideals.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl7L1aSvuWi/

The statement continues: “We recognize that this is not an isolated incident and acknowledge we can help play a role in fighting this issue.”

“Hockey is our passion, and we want everyone to feel safe and have fun playing the game we love,” the post said.

Coquitlam’s BC Hockey League team, the Coquitlam Express, have also come out with a statement regarding the allegations.

In an Instagram post from the team, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Tali Campbell condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” outlined in the story.

A statement from the Coquitlam Express after details of racist and abusive behaviour in Coquitlam Minor Hockey were brought to light in a CityNews story.

The statements come days after CityNews reported on a family’s claims of racism experienced while involved with Coquitlam Minor Hockey.

Zack, whose name was changed for privacy, said players had called him racial slurs on numerous occasions. The 16-year-old’s parents also say they experienced racism from other parents, including allusions to the KKK.

After repeated instances of racism, Zack was eventually moved to the Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association. In Oct. 15, 2022, a fight broke out among parents during a game against Zack’s old team.

Read More: Coquitlam family calls for accountability after claims of racism, assault in minor hockey

RCMP in Coquitlam confirms there is an open file on the reports of an assault at the area which is still under investigation.

The Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association declined to comment on the initial story.

This story comes as the sport as a whole is under the magnifying glass. Recently, Hockey Canada released data that showed there were more than 900 documented or alleged incidents of on-ice discrimination across all levels and age groups during the 2021-22 season.