Hockey Canada interim chair Andrea Skinner defended the board of directors' decision to support CEO Scott Smith despite calls for widespread change at the executive level of the organization.

"From a board perspective, we really believe it's in the best interest of hockey and the organization for it to remain stable over the coming next few months until the next election and to see us through the governance review," she said during the first intermission of Canada's semifinal clash against Switzerland at the Women's World Championship, per TSN.

"We think we have the people in place that are able to execute on our action plan and the other key priorities for Hockey Canada."

Former Supreme Court justice Thomas Cromwell will lead the independent review of Hockey Canada. Earlier this summer, the organization unveiled an action plan to address "systemic issues" and "toxic behaviors" within the sport.

Skinner will remain the interim chair until the end of the current board's term in November. She replaced Michael Brind'Amour, who stepped down in early August.