Members of the women’s hockey team at Western University have announced their intention to boycott games and practices in protest of the reinstatement of a coach who has been accused of pressuring players to participate despite injuries. In a letter addressed to the university’s president, Alan Shepard, the players express their frustration that their allegations of abuse, involving Candice Moxley and other team leaders, have been overlooked.
The team is calling for a new and thorough investigation into the allegations of abuse and misconduct by team leadership, emphasizing that their concerns were not taken seriously and that they were prevented from speaking to the media. Their letter conveys a clear message: “Don’t ignore us. Don’t silence us.”
Additionally, the players raise concerns about the impartiality of the individual chosen by Western University to handle the investigation into the abuse allegations, London lawyer Elizabeth Hewitt. They point out her ties to the university, as the former board chair of both Brescia and King’s university colleges and a professor in the university’s law program. The players express their doubts about the fairness, impartiality, and transparency of the investigation.
The letter follows Western’s decision to dismiss longtime coach Jeff Watson, who was also implicated in abuse claims by hockey players. Hewitt’s investigation found some allegations against Watson to be valid but absolved Moxley of any blame, according to the university.
Western University’s statement, released to the media on Wednesday, stated that, according to Hewitt, there were no formal player complaints before 2023, and all informal complaints were handled appropriately.
The allegations made by the team members in their letter include claims that Moxley pressured them to play through serious injuries, threatened disciplinary action for non-compliance, and dismissed players who raised mental health concerns with her. The players criticize the university’s decision to allow Moxley’s return, stating that it demonstrates a disregard for the well-being of traumatized students.
According to the players, since the first informal complaints in February 2022, a lack of transparency and follow-up from university staff has hindered the process, and their initial grievances were not taken seriously. They describe how everything appeared to be brushed under the rug.
The students are demanding that the university initiate a new, fully transparent investigation, carried out by an independent firm with no affiliation to Western University. They are also calling for a comprehensive investigation into Western’s entire sports system, a request previously made by more than 50 Western faculty members on October 26.
written by: C. Soares