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 established a procedure for players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) to pursue claims for alleged mistreatment dating back to 1975 when the CHL was founded.
Current and former players are eligible to submit claims until April 6, with Toronto-based law firm Koskie Minsky LLP managing the process. Gerry Antman, a partner at the firm, specializes in cases involving institutional abuse and personal injuries, emphasizing that this process differs from a typical class action lawsuit as players must actively apply for inclusion by detailing the abuse suffered and its long-term impacts.
Following the court’s decision not to certify a class action filed by former players against the CHL, the opt-in process was initiated. Antman mentioned that his firm regularly hears from former junior hockey players recounting instances of abuse, some of which have occurred in recent years. He acknowledged the sensitive nature of the allegations, stating that some incidents described by players are too distressing to discuss openly.
OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland expressed the league and its teams’ support for the court’s opt-in process, emphasizing the importance of player safety and well-being. While the CHL refrained from commenting on specific allegations due to ongoing legal proceedings, Sweetland confirmed that the league and its teams have complied with the court’s directives by publicizing information about the compensation process.
In each legal action, the CHL, regional leagues, and the implicated teams would be named as defendants, ultimately responsible for any compensation awarded. Antman assured that his team is committed to assisting individuals through the claims process with a focus on providing supportive and trauma-informed guidance.
