The NHL has been hit hard by recent stories of coaching abuse, from Bill Peters to Mike Babcock to Marc Crawford.
Former Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Bill Peters resigned from the Calgary Flames last month after reports surfaced of alleged racially insensitive remarks he made towards a former player, as well as allegedly punching and kicking a player on the team bench.
Following Mike Babcock’s firing from the Toronto Maple Leafs, multiple stories surfaced from his time both as Red Wings and Maple Leafs head coach over the poor treatment of players. And long-time head coach and current Chicago Blackhawks assistant Marc Crawford has stepped away from the team while they investigate past incidents as well.
To this end, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has introduced a mandatory training program that all coaches at various levels as well as general managers must undergo.
Bettman announces a new mandatory annual training program will be required for all head coaches, asst coaches, minor league coaches, GMs, assistant GMs on diversity and inclusion. It will be a program designed by an outside company.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 10, 2019
Conversely, he’s also suggested a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for clubs and individuals who don’t report inappropriate conduct
