A manager of a minor hockey association in Saint-Remi, Que. stepped down from his position last week, citing toxic hockey parents. The manager, who declined an interview, confirmed to CTV News that several parents sent roughly 50 emails during tryouts. According to Felix Boyer, president of the Association de Hockey Mineur Jardins du Quebec (AHMJQ), some emails crossed the line. “Parents would send insulting emails. Emails saying ‘You don’t know hockey, you have no business being here, you’re doing a bad job, volunteers like you shouldn’t be in our association,’” Boyer recalled. The evaluations were for kids between the ages of 10 and 11, which is why this instance is so concerning for Boyer and the A.H.M.J.Q. The players are organized into divisions that suit their skillsets, ensuring the season is fun and they are not overmatched. Boyer also emphasized that nearly everyone involved in the minor hockey association is a volunteer, sacrificing their nights and weekends every season. Toxic hockey parents are a growing concern for minor hockey associations across the province. Hockey Quebec has even launched a campaign called “Do you recognize yourself” containing a few educational videos reminding hockey parents how to behave. Stephane Auger, the General Manager of Hockey Quebec, said the vast majority of hockey parents do have proper behaviour with their children, but felt it was still important to get the message out there. “Take a little step back as a parent and just make sure that you’re there to accompany your kid,” Auger said. “You’re not living through your kid.”
