This article was written by Melissa Burgess of Die by the Blade. If you enjoy it, please check out her other work.
Kyle Beach’s courageous and open discussion of the abuse he suffered over 10 years ago has, in some ways, opened the floodgates for a wider conversation on difficult topics of abuse, harassment and more in hockey, and how the sport’s culture and the “old boys’ club” mentality fosters an environment for such abuse.
Generally, hockey lacks transparency and accountability. Secrecy surrounds locker rooms and team environments, and those involved are often encouraged to do what’s best for the team, even if it comes at their own expense.