Daniel Carcillo predicted a #MeToo movement for hockey after he came forward with allegations of being hazed and abused as a Sarnia Sting rookie.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion has since heard from several minor and junior players with their own stories of harassment.
He expects there are many more to come.
“I think there’s going to be hundreds if not thousands of stories coming out,” he said. “It has to happen. That’s the only way I think you’re going to change.”
Carcillo will be in Sarnia on Friday for a support meeting at the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre from 6-8 p.m.
Since he first opened up in November about abusive behaviour on the Sting in the 2002-03 and ’03-04 seasons, Carcillo has been in touch with Lambton County players and their parents who told him it’s still a concern locally.
“Hockey culture needs to change,” he said. “The old adage, ‘What’s said in the room has to stay in the room,’ needs to change. That just harbours abuse.”
The meeting is sponsored by the male ally coalition from the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre.
It’s billed as an event for hockey players and their families, but it’s open to everyone affected by abuse, bullying or harassment.
“We’re going to welcome anybody who feels that they need a place to come and share and feel safe,” said coalition member Brian White, a Sarnia city councillor. “Certainly it’s open. But we specifically wanted to target the hockey players, past and present, as we feel there’s certainly a culture of hockey that perpetuates this behaviour in some cases.”
That culture has improved, Carcillo said, but there’s still work to do.
“The OHL has gotten better,” he said. “They have taken steps, but I’d be an idiot to think it’s totally not going on. Do I think it’s going on to the degree we got it? No. But just look at St. Mike’s.”
Carcillo came forward with his story in the wake of a hazing scandal and sexual assault allegations at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto.
“The only way to enact change is to speak about what has happened honestly and vulnerably,” he said.
No pre-registration is needed for the meeting. Admission is free. The media and spectators are not welcome.
“Anyone gets to share, or just listen if that’s what they’re comfortable doing,” White said. “But we’ll get Daniel to start off by sharing his story and hopefully that makes a connection with people and allows some folks to feel comfortable enough to share.
“We’ll have professional mental health care clinicians on hand from various agencies in the community and we’ll be able to help support people past the meeting by showing them the path for ongoing care if that’s what’s needed.”
Carcillo said he felt a responsibility to return to Sarnia after opening up about his Sting career. He wants more meetings to be held.
“This will be the first of, I hope, many events,” said Carcillo, who played nine seasons in the NHL. “I think it’s long overdue.”
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