The list of victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in the hockey world, who are choosing to finally share their story, has continued to grow with each passing day since the story of Mike Babcock and "the list" has surfaced.
In the days following that story, we have learned of the racism and physical abuse allegations against Calgary Flames Head Coach Bill Peters and the recent news that the Sutter brothers face multiple accusations of abuse, with the WHL and Hockey Canada knowingly turning a blind eye to several inappropriate occurrences in an attempt to protect the "good" Sutter name.
Players like Theo Fleury have paved the way, creating a safe space for players, young and old, to come forward and share the burden that they carry with the rest of the hockey world in an attempt to clean up the abuse culture in hockey that has been allowed to run rampant for years with complete amnesty.
Fleury is happy to see that so many players who were suffering in silence finally feel that it is time to rise up and hold their abusers accountable for their actions in an attempt to get out from under all of the emotional weight and take their lives back.
With Fleury having gone through several years of torment and sexual abuse, leading to consistent drug and alcohol issues and suicidal urges, he has since managed to piece his life back together. Fleury's choice to share his tragic story with the world has helped many victims of abuse to cope with their issues and may have even saved a few lives in the process.
One thing is for certain. With all of the allegations of abuse coming out, it's time that the various Leagues step in and hold the abusers accountable, clean up the locker rooms and put an end to the abuse culture for good. Hockey should not be an avenue for abusive coaches and managers to use their power to victimize young players. It is a game and there is no place in the game for abusers. Period.
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