Content Warning: Articles linked in this blog post include accounts of sexual assault.
In the wake of incidents of sexual violence in the hockey community, an anonymous donor—let’s call her Jane—has emerged as a beacon of hope and activism. Janes’s passion for justice and accountability led her to make a generous donation to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) this year.
The story began with a disturbing case involving five players from the 2018 Canadian World Junior Championship hockey team who were asked to surrender to London, Ontario police to face charges of sexual assault in January, 2024.
Jane, an avid hockey fan, was appalled not only by the incident but also by how the NHL handled the situation. The league’s response seemed inadequate and dismissive, and it left Jane feeling disheartened and frustrated.
“I’ve seen hockey do wonderful things for people, and it’s my first sports love, so I keep hoping that [shining] sunlight on everything will affect real change,” said Jane.
Driven by a desire to channel her dismay into positive action and inspired by others in the hockey fan community who were donating to their local organizations, Jane reached out to BARCC. She chose to match the amount she had spent on NHL All-Star Weekend tickets and merchandise as a way of reconciling her love for the sport with her commitment to supporting survivors and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence.
“This gift was one way I could think about squaring my fandom and participating in good work in my own community,” said Jane.
The impact of Jane’s donation on BARCC cannot be overstated. Her contribution will enable the organization to keep providing critical services that play a pivotal role in empowering survivors, helping them heal, and providing them with essential resources to reclaim their lives.
In her correspondence with BARCC, Jane emphasized her belief in the power of shedding light on the dark corners of the sports world where sexual violence persists. Her hope is that by supporting BARCC, she can contribute to the broader movement against sexual violence and inspire action among fellow fans.
As the Stanley Cup playoffs continue, we urge hockey fans to get loud about the issue of sexual violence and join Jane in showing your support for survivors. Together, we can amplify the voices of survivors and work towards a future where every individual feels safe and empowered.
If you or someone you know needs support, BARCC’s hotline is available 24/7 at 800-841-8371 or you can reach out to barcc.org/chat from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. every day.
