Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may now have the opportunity to seek compensation through legal channels. The Ontario Superior Court has recently approved a process for players who participated in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue compensation for alleged mistreatment, harassment, or hazing incidents.
Individuals, both current and former players, dating back to 1975 when the CHL was established, are eligible to file claims. The law firm Koskie Minsky LLP, based in Toronto, is overseeing the submission of these claims, with the deadline set for April 6.
Gerry Antman, a lawyer and partner at the firm, specializes in cases involving institutional abuse and class actions related to personal injuries. He highlighted the unique aspect of this process, emphasizing that players must actively apply to be part of it. Applicants are required to provide detailed descriptions of the abuse they endured, its impact on them during their childhood, as well as the lasting effects into adulthood.
The decision to opt-in follows the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s rejection of a proposed class action by former players against the CHL. Antman mentioned that his firm frequently receives contacts from ex-junior hockey players who recount stories of abuse, some of which occurred in recent seasons. When pressed for specifics on the alleged incidents, Antman declined, citing the graphic nature of the details.
OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland expressed the league’s and its teams’ backing of the court’s initiative to establish the opt-in process. He confirmed that the CHL and its teams are complying with the court’s directives by posting notices of the process on their websites. Sweetland emphasized the CHL’s commitment to player safety and well-being, refraining from providing comments on individual allegations due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
In the event of a lawsuit, Antman explained that the CHL, the respective regional league, and the player’s team or teams would be named as defendants and held liable for any compensatory payouts. He assured that his team is ready to assist individuals through the process, ensuring they have access to justice in a supportive and trauma-informed manner.