ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case that deals with moral issues surrounding initiation rites in organized hockey. Initiation rites have played a traditional role in stimulating membership in close-knit teams. A string of hazing-related incidents created conflict between experienced and rookie players, fragmented the Spitfire team, and resulted in the loss of two key players and the head coach. Hazing made headlines when the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires let it happen among their players. This case would be suitable for in-class discussion in both undergraduate and graduate level business and sports management courses. It is particularly suitable to courses that cover ethical decision-making, social identity, leadership and change management. The key players in the Fall 2005 controversy were players Steve Downie and Akim Aliu, and coach Mantha. Steve planned to try out for the Canadian World Junior Hockey Team in the Fall 2005.
