Will the NHL decide what is acceptable public behavior rather than rely on the Courts to set the standard?

By Pepper Parr

June 16^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

OPINION

The criminal trial of the five hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman has ended.

The Crown has presented its case, and the Defence has put forward its arguments.

Justice Carroccia

Justice Carroccia will deliver a verdict on July 24^th.

The public has heard far more than they wanted about the antics of boys who were headed for fame, celebrity and annual incomes in the millions, driven by their gonads.

Whatever the decision, it may well be appealed.

We know far too much about what they are accused of doing.  As described during the trial – this was disgusting behaviour.

As I followed the trial, I found myself wondering – what do the parents and grandparents of these boys say to their friends and associates about the behaviour?

We know that Hockey Canada, the national governing body for grassroots hockey in the country, used funds provided by parents to pay out hush money to women who filed complaints.

The outrage over that practice was so strong that the federal government cut off its Hockey Canada funding and sponsors walked away from the table.

Hockey Canada got a new board and cleaned up their act.

The remark that came from the National Hockey League about whether or not the five boys (now young men) would be able to play in the NHL even if they were found not guilty – reset what is acceptable behaviour and what isn’t.

The parties that took place were not something new.  They had been going on for years – they were looked forward to as a sort of “coming out” in the hockey business. Young women were as involved as young men.

The question I found myself asking is – who is going to set the standards for the sport?

Could it be that the NHL will determine what the social values are determine what is acceptable?

In the Armed Services, there is a phrase: “prejudicial to good order and discipline” a catch-all provision, used to address misconduct not specifically covered by other offences.

Offences that are prejudicial to good order and discipline can result in disciplinary actions, including summary trials or courts-martial, and potentially lead to penalties such as dismissal with disgrace from Her Majesty’s service, fines, or imprisonment.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

In February of 2024 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he does not believe the NHL players facing charges will return to their NHL teams this season.

It appears that Bettman might be prepared to rule that the players never return to the league.