Podcast Episode Uncovers Disturbing Culture in Canadian Hockey
In a revealing special episode of the 10/3 podcast, National Post's Robert Cribb engages in a profound conversation with award-winning investigative journalist Rick Westhead. The discussion centers on Westhead's bestselling and deeply unsettling book, We Breed Lions, which meticulously examines the dark underbelly of Canadian junior hockey.
Systemic Issues and Institutional Failures
Westhead's investigation delves into systemic sexual abuse, toxic masculinity, and significant institutional failures that have plagued Canadian junior hockey for decades. The book presents a comprehensive analysis of how a culture built on unwavering loyalty and enforced silence has allowed harm to persist unchecked. This environment, according to Westhead, has created barriers to accountability and justice for victims.
The podcast episode explores the mechanisms through which this culture of silence thrived, highlighting how traditional values within the sport were manipulated to protect perpetrators and suppress allegations. Westhead provides detailed accounts and evidence gathered through extensive research, painting a troubling picture of institutional complicity.
Historical Context and Ongoing Impact
The conversation between Cribb and Westhead traces the historical roots of these issues, examining how they became embedded in the fabric of Canadian hockey. The discussion emphasizes the long-term consequences for players, families, and communities affected by these systemic problems. Westhead argues that addressing these deep-seated issues requires fundamental changes in how hockey organizations operate and prioritize safety.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the 10/3 podcast on their preferred platform to access this and other investigative episodes. The podcast serves as a crucial platform for uncovering stories that challenge powerful institutions and advocate for transparency and reform in sports culture.
