The sport of hockey has a unique ability to ignite passion and fervor among its fans. It’s an intense sport on and off the ice. Indeed, I’m referring to the myriad emotions that accompany a puck, several sticks, and the expanse of an ice rink. When a large crowd unites and creates an infectious energy, it transforms into a culture that deeply resonates with the fans. However, when individuals attempt to criticize it without offering constructive feedback, it tends to rub the community the wrong way.

A month ago, TSN correspondent Rick Westhead revealed his new book titled “WE BREED LIONS: Confronting Canada’s Troubled Hockey Culture.” So what’s this book about? “Hockey in Canada is at a crossroads,” wrote Westhead. “Over the past three years, I have interviewed current and former junior hockey players, as well as parents, player agents, hockey coaches and executives, team owners, legal experts and sociologists about hockey culture in Canada. Their stories are shocking and offer insights into so much about our national game that is broken,” Westhead wrote in a LinkedIn post.

The TSN reporter expresses significant concern regarding the nation’s national sport after engaging in discussions with several key figures within the industry. Westhead, drawing from the wealth of stories he gathered, chose to tackle those concerns within them, all the while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the future. However, it wasn’t long before he found himself facing criticism from NHL legends Jim Kyte and Kevin Lowe.

Kyte and Lowe are prominent figures in the discourse surrounding hockey in Canada. Kyte’s response? “Hopefully the book is balanced and not just a sensational view of what might be wrong with the perceived culture. In my short experience as a guest columnist I learned quickly that newspapers/media aren’t in the business of selling the news/stories, they are in the business of selling newspapers/clicks/views. Sensationalism and sadly, focusing on the negative, sells. The game/culture can certainly improve but it also has many, many positives so I hope these aspects get an equal word count. I look forward to finding out,” stated the former NHL player.

But as you may have guessed, Kyte wasn’t alone with his concerns.  In response to Kyte, Lowe wrote on LinkedIn, “Jim Kyte, Well said. Thanks for highlighting Rick Westhead’s unfair portrayal of hockey and his mischaracterization of ‘hockey culture.’ Like many who take issue with the sport, I can’t help but wonder if he was cut from a team or didn’t get enough ice time when he played. Given his track record of sensationalism in recent years, I see no chance that his book will offer a balanced perspective. As you astutely pointed out, good news doesn’t drive clicks or viewership.”

The ex-hockey coach and NHL player expressed dissatisfaction with how Westhead seemed to slander hockey culture in his new book. Additionally, Lowe was no doubt aware of the TSN reporter’s prior work. However, that wasn’t all he had to say. Lowe recommended that people who were endorsing “Westhead’s one-sided narrative” check out the Western Hockey League’s Respect Education initiatives.

Indeed, those initiatives have played a significant role in supporting numerous athletes and their families. In conclusion, he asserted, “There’s a much bigger story here—one Westhead chooses to ignore. If you want half a story, enjoy the read! To quote the ever-popular Don Cherry, ‘For all you bleeding hearts,’ I hope I’m wrong!” However, it would be wrong to completely write Westhead off. He has, after all, consistently plunged into the depths of hard-hitting investigative journalism. Recently, he highlighted a shocking incident from one of Canada’s junior hockey leagues, the QJHL.

Safety concerns going beyond the NHL

Hockey is a sport filled with passion, and it’s no surprise to sometimes see NHL players resort to dropping their gloves and engaging in physical confrontations. However, these situations can occasionally spiral out of control, and this is not uncommon even in junior hockey leagues. “Minor hockey coaches in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, say during a game in November, a 16-year-old player from Saint-Jérôme used his skate to kick a Deux-Montagnes player in the head multiple times,” Rick Westhead reported on X.

Striking someone on the head with a skate? If this is what the physical side of hockey can bring, it’s no wonder that Westhead’s book isn’t too sympathetic towards “hockey culture.”

The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated, as these blades can lead to serious injuries that, in some cases, can be fatal. Westhead continued to report, noting, “After the Saint-Jérôme player was suspended for eight games, the Deux-Montagnes coaches paid $200 to submit a complaint to Hockey Quebec asking the player be banned. Their appeal was denied.”

The ban, while justifiable for the unnamed player due to their status as a minor, has left many questioning the rationale behind the officials’ decision. 8 games felt far too little. And how did this case escalate? “Radio-Canada’s Martin Leclerc reports that on Thursday, after returning from his suspension, the Saint-Jérôme player allegedly attacked an opposing player from Blainville with his stick. Both teams were walking back to their change rooms and the Blainville player had taken off his helmet when he was hit in the head with a hockey stick,” stated the TSN correspondent.

A repeated offense is unequivocally unacceptable, prompting the coaches from Deux-Montagnes to demand accountability from Hockey Quebec and the Saint-Jérôme organization. Now, only time will tell how this case evolves. But what’s important to note is that it’s Rick Westhead’s penchant for asking the tough questions and digging deep that helps create the accountability that can change the culture. And with this context in mind, his upcoming book on hockey culture may just be the most timely release of them all, despite the critiques.