Hockey Canada has a long way to go to build back trust, parents and politicians say

Parents say they're disturbed by Hockey Canada's handling of sexual assault allegations against elite players and politicians say the organization needs to do more to gain back the trust of thousands of hockey families. 

"It's very frustrating. Obviously, the story is pretty bad and trying to process that and talk to my own kids about it, it's difficult," said Dan Mellon, a hockey dad from Ottawa whose three kids, aged 18, 14, and 12, all play hockey. His oldest son played at a very high level, and the other two in house league. 

"Hockey is very expensive. It's big, big money, and I think it's a big shock for people that the money they've been paying with every registration has been going to pay out the folks involved in this allegation. I think it's going to be a while before people can trust again." 

Mellon's own kids are out of competitive hockey, but many of the parents approached by CBC News said they didn't want to speak because they feared their kids would be black-listed if their mom or dad spoke against Hockey Canada, the sport's governing body. 

"As stakeholders, all of the parents who pay registration fees every year need to speak up. Now is the time, but I understand that families of kids who play higher level hockey might be hesitant to speak out," Mellon said. "I think if we don't start to ask questions and we don't start to speak up, nothing will ever change." 

It was revealed this week that Hockey Canada paid out $8.9 million in 21 sexual abuse settlements since 1989, money generated from Hockey Canada fees and investments. 

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage has been looking into 2018 sexual violence allegations in London, Ont., of the Canadian junior men's hockey team.

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