SPORTSNET – The announcement comes three days after interim Hockey Canada chair of the board Andrea Skinner tendered her resignation.
With the CEO and board members now departed, day-to-day operations will be run by an interim management committee, although who was on that was uncertain. Hockey Canada said in a release it will have new board members elected “no later than the forthcoming virtual election scheduled for December 17, 2022. The Board will not seek re-election and will fulfil its fiduciary duties until such time as a new Board is elected.” This new board will be responsible for choosing a new CEO.
“I’m prepared to take on this responsibility for change within our game,” Smith said during hearings in Ottawa on July 27, responding to a call to resign by committee member and Conservative MP John Nater. “I believe I’ve got the experience to do it.”
Smith, 55, had been with Hockey Canada since 1995, serving as vice president and chief operating officer. He took over on July 1 as president and CEO from Tom Renney, who left the organization in a previously decided retirement.
Stepping down as board members:
Terry Engen of Eckville, Alta.; Kirk Lamb of Calgary; John Neville of Markham, Ont.; Barry Reynard of Kenora, Ont.; Bobby Sahni of Toronto; Mary Anne Veroba of Lampman, Sask.; and Goops Wooldridge of Milton Station, P.E.I. Previous board chair Michael Brind’Amour of Montreal stepped down in July.
