Coquitlam hockey racism draws reaction from leaders; association responds

The organization caught up in racist allegations detailed in a CityNews exclusive is responding, saying this kind of behaviour has no place in the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association (CMHA).

The story brought forward to CityNews detailed claims on multiple occasions, including one incident that led to an alleged assault.

The CMHA says it’s unable to comment on the specifics of one of the allegations detailed in the CityNews report, noting “the incident in question remains an active investigation with the RCMP and Hockey Canada.”

However, on the claims “made with respect to a history of racist and discriminatory behaviour within CMHA,” the association says it takes these allegations “very seriously.”

“We do not condone or tolerate any such behaviour within our organization. CMHA wants to reassure the public that, in collaboration with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada, CMHA has processes in place to ensure that any allegations of this nature lead to thorough investigations and are followed by appropriate action as required,” the statement from the board of directors reads.

“CMHA continues to be committed to providing our community with a safe, fair, and fun way to engage with the game they love. There is no place for racism or discrimination in the game of hockey, and we look forward to providing more information as we work alongside Hockey Canada and BC Hockey to address systemic issues in and around Canada’s game,” the statement concluded.

Leaders weigh in

Zack, whose name was changed for privacy, told CityNews that players had called him racial slurs numerous times. The 16-year-old’s parents also say they experienced racism from other parents, including racist memes shared on a team chat group in messages reviewed by CityNews

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

CityNews spoke with Mayor Richard Stewart Friday about the allegations. Stewart says he can’t comment specifically on the assault at the Poirier Arena because it’s under police investigation. However, he says the racism described in the piece horrified him.

“It breaks my heart when I see this kind of commentary,” he said. “I don’t know why anyone would post that video. It offended me. And I know that the league is contemplating what actions they need to take.”

“This is not our community. Our community despises the kind of hatred that that video portrayed.”

The family who came forward with the allegations says they have tried multiple times to talk with the mayor about their experience. The family is working with an anti-racism advocate to facilitate a dialogue between the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association, Port Coquitlam Minor Hockey, and Stewart to address what happened.

Stewart says that dialogue hasn’t taken place as he’s been dealing with multiple health issues. However, he stresses he’s committed to hearing from the family.

“We were struggling a bit with the reality of the investigation, as well as health realities in my family so it has been harder to schedule. But, absolutely we want to speak to the league. We want to speak to the family members affected. We want to understand how this impacted them and we want to make sure they understand this is not us. We are not going to be tolerant of that kind of [racism],” he told CityNews.

“Racial intolerance is not acceptable in this community at all.”

Read more: 

• Coquitlam family calls for accountability after claims of racism, assault in minor hockey

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

Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA and cabinet minister Selina Robinson also spoke with CityNews, saying she hopes the family gets an apology.

“I really do hope the family gets an apology and I hope that the community has a conversation about it. And I hope the sports organizations and arts organizations have conversations about this and some good comes out of it so that we’re better prepared and can protect families when these ugly things happen,” she said.

Robinson adds her government is committed to anti-racism, and that her comments on this story carry the weight of cabinet.

“It’s absolutely the stance of our government. We’ve been very clear that British Columbia is a welcoming place for everybody. We continue to see racist activities, racist commentary and behaviours that are very problematic. It threatens all of us, regardless of your colour or religion. It’s not good for us as a society to engage in those behaviours. It hurts people. And it’s our collective obligation to say something when we see something.”