NHL instates mandatory domestic violence and sexual assault prevention training for teams and players

The NHL has finally begun to implement domestic violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention training for its players and teams, per a report from the Associated Press.

The NHL and NHL Players' Association partnered to ensure all 30 teams would go through "hour-long educational sessions with outside professionals" over the next two months.

According to the AP, the Buffalo Sabres were the first team to start and finish the training sessions. The new initiatives have apparently been in the works for six months.

The new seminars are similar to how MLB and the NFL rolled out new initiatives after high profile cases of players getting involved in domestic violence or sexual assault situations. MLB released its initiatives in August, while NFL players have expressed they don't believe their training has worked.

Multiple domestic violence and sexual assault cases have rocked the hockey world in the last few years. The most notable is that of Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, who was investigated but not charged after an alleged rape in Buffalo last fall. On the other hand, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov was sentenced to three months in prison last summer for a misdemeanor of domestic violence against his wife.

Just last week, the girlfriend of Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk was arrested for instigating a domestic dispute.

The NHL hopes that the seminars will provide useful resources and education on the issues.