Chebucto Minor Hockey Association
February 7, 2026

To the Chebucto Minor Hockey Community,

Chebucto Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), like many across the hockey community, was deeply concerned to learn of recent events involving a team from another organization related to allegations of hazing and sexual assault.

While this matter does not involve CMHA, it serves as a serious reminder that abusive behaviour has no place in hockey, and that we must remain vigilant in our shared responsibility to protect every participant in our care.

We want to take this opportunity to reaffirm CMHA’s unwavering commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive hockey environment for all players.

CMHA believes there is no place in sport for silence, intimidation, or misplaced notions of loyalty that prevent concerns from being raised. As parents, volunteers, coaches, and leaders, we have a responsibility to engage in clear, honest conversations with our players and with one another, and to ensure that concerns are brought forward promptly so they can be addressed appropriately.

Hazing of any kind is strictly prohibited within CMHA. Intimidation, bullying, discrimination, harassment, or any form of misconduct are unacceptable. These behaviours are fundamentally inconsistent with our policies, our values, and the standards we expect of our players, coaches, volunteers, and families.

The actions of players, coaches, volunteers, and parents reflect on our association as a whole.

CMHA maintains its Safe Sport commitment through:

• Clear expectations around respectful conduct, equity, and inclusion
• Zero tolerance for hazing, harassment, and abuse
• Mandatory Safe Sport and conduct training for all coaches and team officials
• Defined complaint and reporting processes, with prompt and accountable follow-up

Safe Sport resources are available through Hockey Nova Scotia:
https://hockeynovascotia.ca/safe-sport/safety-policies/

Hockey should be a place where young people can grow, develop confidence, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. No athlete should ever feel fear, pressure, or shame to participate in harmful or inappropriate behaviour. As a community, we all share responsibility for modeling the respect, leadership, and integrity we expect our players to demonstrate.

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the recent events elsewhere. CMHA remains fully committed to ensuring that every player who steps onto the ice does so in an environment that is positive, supportive, and safe.

We welcome feedback and suggestions from our membership as we continue to strengthen and improve our culture of safety and respect. Culture is one of the most difficult aspects of any organization to change, and every member of our community has a role to play.

Sincerely,

Bryan Esbaugh
President
Chebucto Minor Hockey Association