Hockey Canada board throws support behind Smith

Hockey Canada's board of governors says it is supporting president and chief executive officer Scott Smith amid calls for leadership change at the organization.

"Scott Smith and the executive team have the support of the Board of Hockey Canada," a statement from interim chair Andrea Skinner read. "Our Board is focused on facilitating the implementation of programs for girls and boys and men and women across the country. We are committed to improve our game, including through our governance review, the implementation of our Action Plan and other programs.

"We look forward to informing Canadians about the work and objectives of the Board, and our ongoing efforts to restore the trust of Canadians in hockey and Hockey Canada."

Hockey Canada has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of sexual assault allegations against players on its 2003 and 2018 world junior teams.

More coming.