As a survivor of sexual assault and abuse, and a dedicated fan of the Carolina Hurricanes, I find it deeply distressing that my favorite team would consider signing any players who were involved in the recent Team Canada scandal. This potential decision is not just disappointing for me as a fan who once felt safe and proud of the Hurricanes, but it also ends a damaging message to fans everywhere, especially female fans who share similar traumatic experiences.

In the summer of 2018, members of the Canadian World Junior team were accused of a horrifying act: allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room during Hockey Canada's annual gala. This contradicts the Hurricanes' values of integrity and community support.

The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its fair share of controversies, many of which have involved failing to uphold player and organizational standards when it comes to issues of personal conduct. For the Carolina Hurricanes to avoid this troubling trend, it is crucial that they take a firm stance against signing players entangled in such allegations. Fostering a safe environment that respects all fans, regardless of gender or personal history, should be a core mission for any sports team.

By choosing not to sign these players, the Hurricanes can reaffirm their commitment to all their fans and send a powerful statement that they prioritize a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment over winning games at any cost. Such a decision would not only resonate with fans who have survived similar traumas but also set a precedent that could influence the broader sports community towards greater accountability and respect.

I urge the Carolina Hurricanes to lead by example and demonstrate their support for survivors of sexual assault. Aligning their decisions with the values of safety and integrity will protect the emotional well-being of their loyal fans and reinforce the community’s trust in them.

Please sign this petition to show the team that we stand for a hockey culture that values respect and cares to their community. Together, we can urge the Carolina Hurricanes to make a decision that reflects the true spirit of the sport and its fans.