Sheldon Kennedy, alongside Kaitlyn Weaver, from
Playing in the NHL is supposed to be a fabulous time for professional hockey players. This time in Kennedy’s life was tough.
“Battle of the Blades”
He was experiencing guilt and shame for what happened in Swift Current, and as a result, experienced drug and alcohol addiction. Kennedy is pleased that he has been sober for the past 15 and a half years. Kennedy counts training 1.4 million Canadians through Respect Group as one of his business achievements. “To me, that is what it is all about,” he said. “How do we make good people better by empowering the bystander? That is what I am the most proud of, and it is no small feat. We have trained all parents, coaches and officials. We work with all the provinces, including Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta. We are now doing a lot of work with all sports. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, it is mandatory that every coach in every sport take the Respect Group program.” As the Respect Group has become a profitable venture, the organization has been able to give back to the sports community. It recently donated $100,000 to Canadian Tire to help build an accessible playground in Calgary’s Shouldice Park through the JumpStart initiative. The playground is specifically for youth with physical disability. “We continually give back,” said Kennedy. “That is something I am proud of. It is so important to do that inside your community.” The programs available through Respect Group are now being applied to the education system and the government and are frequently taken by teachers and school bus drivers, and now government employees. These are horrific times with the coronavirus pandemic. Kennedy is aware of the negative impacts the disease has had on the amateur sports community in Canada. Players are not just losing an opportunity to play, but there are negative consequences when it comes to mental health as well. The sports industry and all other industries are being impacted. “There is an added amount of stress that comes with COVID,” he said. “There are presenting fears. My partner is a doctor and this creates a lot of anxiety. It is critical we create psychologically safe workplaces and not just physically safe workplaces.” Currently, police services on a global level are being criticized and scrutinized. However, it was the Calgary Police Service in the mid 1990s, who were credited for listening to Kennedy and the sexual abuse he endured from James. Detective Brian Bell was “patient and respectful,” according to Kennedy, and orchestrated a thorough Canadian-wide investigation of James’s past. Kennedy is grateful that the Calgary Police Service took him seriously. “It was important,” he said. “Most people who have been impacted by sexual abuse feel that they are the only ones that this is happening to. They believe nobody is going to believe them and this is their fault. Back then I think it was critical I felt listened to.” In the last year, Kennedy had what he calls “an awesome experience.” He won the 2019 Battle of the Blades with ice dancer Kaitlyn Weaver, a three-time medalist for Canada at the World Figure Skating championship.
Ken Dryden, Sheldon Kennedy and Dr. Charles Tator: Distinguished Honourees of the Order of Hockey in Canada for 2020
“It was a very difficult process,” he said. “It was one of the harder things I have ever had to do athletically. It was a very important journey because it kind of closed the loop of the shame and guilt I had for not being my best when it came to hockey (career was impacted by drugs and alcohol as a result of depression from the abuse by James). Battle of the Blades allowed me to prepare, be fit, get focused, and raise money for charity. That was the best part about it. We donated $100,000 to JumpStart.” Kennedy is pleased to be part of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame class this year. “I think for me I felt a sense of pride and I felt proud for the issues I represent, to be acknowledged with this significant induction,” he said. Kennedy is honoured to be recognized for the important work that athletes do apart from competition. In addition to being inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Kennedy was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada, alongside former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden and Dr. Charles Tator, who has done significant work on concussion and spinal cord injuries related to hockey. “That was a huge honour,” said Kennedy. “It means a lot. This recognition within hockey tells the world that these issues (about sexual abuse) are important, and that we care about them. I think it says that (those in charge of) hockey understand that this is a big part of growing the game.” For those who have experienced abuse in the past, Kennedy encourages them to “seek help.” He states there are more options for people today than there were in 1996. He also explains he talks less today about his own personal abuse from James, and more about the issues and finding ways to solve problems. In the future, Kennedy is trying to help people through Respect Group and to be the best possible father and partner. He currently has two children. There is no doubt that high performance hockey players can have a significant impact in society. Kennedy’s influence has been exceptional, and as a result, many in the hockey community, sports communities, and in the public community, have clearly benefited.
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 13
