Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing incidents may have the opportunity to seek compensation through legal channels. The Ontario Superior Court has recently established a process for players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue claims related to alleged mistreatment, bullying, or hazing incidents. Eligible claims can be submitted by both current and former players dating back to the inception of the CHL in 1975.
Koskie Minsky LLP, a law firm based in Toronto, is managing the claims process, with a deadline set for submissions by April 6. Gerry Antman, a lawyer and partner at the firm specializing in institutional abuse and personal injury class actions, highlighted that this procedure differs from a typical class action as players must actively opt-in to participate by detailing the abuse they endured and its lasting effects on their lives.
The decision to opt-in follows the dismissal of a proposed class action against the CHL by former players in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Antman revealed that his firm regularly receives contacts from ex-junior hockey players recounting instances of abuse, even in recent years, with some stories considered too distressing to disclose publicly.
Regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, an OHL spokesperson, Josh Sweetland, affirmed the league and its teams’ support for the court’s opt-in process. Sweetland emphasized the CHL’s commitment to player safety and well-being, stating that specific allegations cannot be addressed due to the legal nature of the matter.
In each lawsuit, Antman explained that the CHL, relevant regional leagues, and the player’s associated team or teams would be named as defendants responsible for any potential compensation payouts. He assured individuals of his team’s readiness to assist them through the process, ensuring access to justice in a supportive and trauma-informed manner.