Junior hockey players in the Canadian Hockey League who have experienced abuse or hazing may have the opportunity to receive 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 and harassment.
Individuals, both current and former players dating back to the establishment of the CHL in 1975, are eligible to file claims. The legal firm Koskie Minsky LLP 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, specializes in cases involving institutional abuse and class actions related to personal injuries.
Unlike a typical class action lawsuit, players must actively seek inclusion by detailing the abuse they endured, its effects on them during their youth, and its lasting impacts into adulthood. This opt-in approach follows the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s decision not to certify a class action initiated by former players against the CHL.
Antman mentioned that their firm frequently receives accounts of abuse from former junior hockey players, including recent incidents. When asked about specific allegations, Antman indicated that some details were too explicit to discuss openly due to their graphic nature.
In response to the court’s initiative, OHL spokesperson Josh Sweetland confirmed that the CHL and its teams endorse the opt-in process. The league and its affiliates have been complying with the court’s directives by publicizing information about the claims process on their respective platforms. Sweetland emphasized the CHL’s commitment to player safety and well-being, refraining from commenting on individual allegations due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
In each legal action, the CHL, the relevant regional league, and the player’s team or teams will be named as defendants, ultimately accountable for any potential compensation. Antman assured that their team is ready to assist individuals throughout the process, ensuring access to justice in a supportive and trauma-informed manner.