About

MISSION

Puck Off to Bullying is a grassroots advocacy initiative grounded in both research and lived experience, dedicated to raising awareness and driving action on bullying and maltreatment in minor hockey. We focus on the critical role of policy, governance, and leadership in creating safe and positive environments where every player can thrive.

VISION

Central to our mission is promoting psychological safety & youth voice—the foundation of healthy teams and associations.

Puck Off to Bullying is built on the belief that real change starts at the top—with boards, coaches, and parents who commit to fostering environments where every player, coach and parent feels respected and supported. Our work focuses on equipping leaders to prioritize psychological safety, implement effective governance, and model the behaviors that create lasting positive change. Together, we can shift hockey culture towards the winning formula of accountability and well-being—on and off the ice.

A Message from the Founder

Research—and lived experience—make one thing clear: bullying cannot be entirely eradicated. Psychologically and sociologically, humans are hardwired to form hierarchies and act in ways that can impact sports environments negatively. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. While we may never stop bullying altogether, we can tell it to “Get the Puck Outta Here” by creating systems and challenges that mitigate its impact. This includes proper training for minor hockey boards and their membership to make informed decisions with youth at the core of all solutions.

This project is grounded in both research and my own lived experience. From being hockey mom to a goalie, to competing myself in two national soccer finals (before “elite” was even a thing), to growing up with an old-school but well-intentioned hockey dad (who was also my coach), to mental health counseling and educating youth and adults, this movement is founded in hope and optimism that we can create change.

This developed from a three year passion project, where I researched policy, joined a local MHA Board, took coaching training, and from reflection, research and a lot of conversations, POB was born. Seeing the lack of tools, leadership and education to keep the minor in minor hockey top of mind, I continue to develop content that can keep the conversation - and motivation - for lasting change going.

The goal is for POB to become a true collective we. That means gathering voices, listening to lived experience, and applying what the evidence tells us works. If we want hockey culture to thrive and be infused with psychological safety for kids, to we need systems built on accountability, leadership, and courage. Together, we can make Puck Off to Bullying a trusted hub for change, a resource for those ready to lead differently, and a safe space for help, information and learning.

Be well and see you at the rink!

Lindy Fors

MEd, MACP, CCC, RPC

Founder & Hockey Mom