Ice hockey holds a revered position in Canadian culture, renowned for fostering national pride and camaraderie. However, in recent years, the hockey environment has come under scrutiny due to the resurgence of assault and discrimination cases. These incidents have raised concerns, particularly regarding the psychological and physical well-being of youth involved in the sport. Consequently, parents, administrators, fans, and politicians have begun questioning existing practices and advocating for change.

This study takes a unique approach to address these concerns, using foresight and systems thinking methods in collaboration with youth hockey players and leadership. The aim is to identify strategies that can effectively transform Canadian youth hockey culture, making it more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. By involving a diverse group of youth hockey players, coaches, administrators, and stakeholders in interviews, the research gives voice to the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of young athletes, empowering them to shape the future of their sport.

A crucial component of the paper leverages foresight and systems thinking methods to visualize the current state of hockey's ecosystem, the various future states plausible within a 10-year horizon, and the highest-yielding interventions to create the most sustainable change.

The findings of this study provide a comprehensive framework for action, offering policymakers, sports organization leaders, parents, and concerned citizens a series of reflection prompts and resources to advance youth hockey culture in their realms of influence. These insights can inform the development of policies, the design of programs, and the decision-making processes, all with the goal of effecting transformative change in the Canadian hockey landscape.