Calls for cultural change at Hockey Canada spark period of reckoning for sport

As sponsors distanced themselves from Hockey Canada over the past few weeks, it became clear they wanted to see more than just a change in leadership.

The need for a sweeping overhaul — via phrases such as "necessary cultural change" [Telus], "improve the culture" [Scotiabank], and "meaningful change" [Canadian Tire] — was a common thread in many explanations from the companies that backed away from Hockey Canada after months of scandal over its mishandling of alleged sexual assaults.

Even after the entire board stepped down on Tuesday along with the CEO, corporate partners emphasized the need for additional measures before they would return.

The organization needs to have an honest reckoning with its problems before it can begin to rebuild and change its culture, said Geoffrey Leonardelli, professor of organizational behaviour at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management.

"Changing the culture of an organization starts with a dissatisfaction with the status quo," said Leonardelli, also academic director of the school's executive programs on negotiations and leading change.

"There needs to be a motivation for change."

The voices calling for such change grew louder this past week. As well as major sponsors and some of Hockey Canada's provincial member bodies, the Prime Minister weighed in on Tuesday.

Justin Trudeau said the executive departures took too long to materialize and are only a "first step" on the road to transforming the sport.

"There's a culture to change," Trudeau said. "There is an awful lot of work to ensure that the structures and systems that Hockey Canada has in place protects employees, protects Canadians, protects our kids as they play hockey."

And in a 103-page interim report and memo